Oyo surveillance aircraft to arrive month-end — Commissioner

Oyo State in Nigeria is set to bolster its security with the imminent arrival of two surveillance aircraft, expected by the end of July. These aircraft, procured at a cost of ₦7,763,360,000, are Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) DA 42 MNG models. They are intended to strengthen security operations across the state, with a particular focus on monitoring its borders with Kwara State and the Republic of Benin.

Prince Dotun Oyelade, the Commissioner for Information, disclosed that delays in the aircraft's delivery were due to the manufacturing and assembly process in China. While the state government had hoped for an earlier arrival, the assembly of components by Chinese manufacturers took longer than anticipated. Governor Seyi Makinde expressed regret that the aircraft were not operational during the recent rescue of abducted schoolchildren but emphasized the government's reliance on professional and technical advice from the manufacturers before deployment.

Beyond security enhancements, the Oyo State Executive Council also approved significant economic initiatives. A ₦3 billion interest-free intervention loan was granted to an indigenous cassava processing factory in Ado-Awaye. This move aims to boost production, create jobs, and benefit over 25,000 farmers in the region.

Furthermore, the council approved financial intervention for the Oyo Sugar and Derivatives Industries Limited in Oke-Ogun. This project is part of the state's strategic industrialization efforts to promote agro-industrial development, add value to agricultural produce, and increase Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). The government is increasing its equity investment in the sugar factory, having previously released ₦850,000,000 as an initial equity investment. An additional ₦2,461,975,000 has now been approved as further government equity investment.