Agbowo Shopping Complex: Makinde Says ₦21bn Needed To Complete Project, Admits It May Remain Unfinished Before Exit
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that the completion of the redevelopment of Agbowo Shopping Complex in Ibadan requires ₦21 billion, admitting that the project may remain unfinished before he leaves office.
Makinde made this known during a media chat in Ibadan, where he discussed ongoing projects, funding challenges and plans to ensure continuity in governance beyond the end of his administration in 2027.
“Agbowo is there and I may not complete it before I leave because I don’t have ₦21 billion now to complete it,” the governor said.
He expressed optimism that a stable economic environment would make it easier to complete major infrastructure projects, adding that creating such conditions would be among his priorities if he became president.
The governor also reflected on his business experience before venturing into politics, stating that he established his own company at the age of 29 and had been paying salaries since then.
Makinde said he had earned money at a young age and invested part of his early earnings in education. He recalled purchasing a three-bedroom apartment for ₦2 million while contesting for the Senate, noting that his business experience had helped shape his approach to financial management.
On his political journey, the governor disclosed that he spent more money on his unsuccessful 2015 governorship campaign than he did in 2019, when he eventually won the election. He had earlier contested for the Senate in 2007 and 2011.
Makinde also revealed that he had recommended Bimbo Adekanmbi for a ministerial appointment, but President Bola Tinubu appointed Adebayo Adelabu instead.
He expressed confidence in Adekanmbi’s capacity to perform in public office, citing his professional background as a chartered accountant.
The governor further disclosed that he assigned Adekanmbi to assist in addressing the challenges associated with upgrading Ibadan Airport after the Federal Government declined to provide funding for the project.
According to Makinde, the airport upgrade received federal approval without financial support from the Federal Government, with the project expected to be commissioned before the end of 2026.
On education, the governor said his administration had employed more than 21,000 teachers in Oyo State over seven years, adding that almost all the appointments were made without godfatherism.
He warned against returning to a system in which applicants required political connections to secure government employment, stressing the importance of merit and fairness in recruitment.
Makinde also criticised the Federal Government, describing the administration as one characterised by deceit, and said he was prepared to make sacrifices for Nigeria to move forward.
The governor maintained that the support of the people of Oyo State remained central to his political future, adding that any financial losses he might have incurred through public service would not take him up to a year to recover.
Agbowo Shopping Complex: Makinde Says ₦21bn Needed To Complete Project, Admits It May Remain Unfinished Before Exit
Byadmin
Oct 11, 2026