By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building modern, inclusive, and technology-driven urban centres through the newly established Oyo State New Towns and Cities Development Authority (OYNTCDA).
This was highlighted during the 2025 World Cities Day commemoration held at the Local Government Staff Training School, Secretariat, Ibadan, where the Executive Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on OYNTCDA, Mrs. Mofoluke Adebiyi, emphasised that the state is shaping a future where innovation and community needs complement each other.
The event, themed “People-Centred Smart Cities,” aligns with Governor Makinde’s urban development philosophy, which prioritizes technology-supported planning, accessible public services, efficient mobility, and improved liveability.
Mrs. Adebiyi cited key projects, including the Ibadan Circular Road Corridor and the Ilu-Tuntun Smart City, as examples of the Governor’s commitment to transforming Oyo State into a model of sustainable metropolitan growth.
“Across the world, cities are undergoing transformation driven by digital technologies—from mobility to waste management and urban governance. Yet, at the heart of every thriving city is the human element — community, belonging, and equitable access to opportunities,”
she said.
She noted that the establishment of the OYNTCDA was a strategic step to ensure future city development is planned, coordinated, and sustainable — preventing urban sprawl, congestion, and property misuse.
Project Highlights
- Ilutuntun New City in Akinyele LGA is designed as a globally competitive smart urban district featuring integrated infrastructure, enterprise zones, and inclusive residential layouts.
- The Circular Road Urban District, covering approximately 2,600 hectares, aims to link peri-urban local councils, improve transit, and unlock opportunities in logistics, commercial development, and housing.
Mrs. Adebiyi also revealed that the state is actively leveraging GIS systems, digital permitting, and spatial planning tools to improve land management and transparency.
“Smart cities are not defined by technology alone, but by how technology serves people,”
she emphasized.
“Community participation remains the backbone of our efforts.”
She added that Oyo State is aligning its vision with the UN-Habitat Strategic Plan (2026–2029), ensuring that housing, land reform, and basic services remain central to development efforts.
Delivering a keynote presentation titled “Building Smart and Inclusive Cities – A Case Study of the Ilu-Titun Business District Initiative,” Architect Olufemi Lola Oyenekan (FNIA) praised the Makinde administration for merging modernization with historical and cultural relevance in reimagining Ibadan.
He outlined the Six Core Pillars of Smart Cities:
- Smart Mobility
- Smart Environment
- Smart Economy
- Smart Living
- Smart People
- Smart Governance
“Smart cities are not about technology; they are about people living better lives,”
he said, referencing MIT’s Senseable City Lab.
The Executive Secretary of OYNTCDA, Mr. Seun Raji, described the event as historic and timely, noting that smart city initiatives would significantly improve citizens’ quality of life.
Chairman of Akinyele LGA, Hon. Wole Akinyele, expressed optimism that rural communities will benefit directly from improved road networks, expanded electrification, and commercial growth.
Former Head of Service, Alhaja Ololade Agboola, called for collective support to ensure long-term sustainability.
A panel session on Digital Innovation in Urban Infrastructure and Land Use Governance concluded that Oyo State is now better positioned for international development partnerships.
Official Statement
Oyo Govt Charts Path to People-Centered, Tech-Driven Smart Cities
The Oyo State Government through the Oyo State New Towns and Cities Development Authority (OYNTCDA), has pledged to build people-centred smart cities driven by innovation, technology, and inclusiveness.
The Executive Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on the Oyo State New Towns and Cities Development Authority (OYNTCDA), Mrs. Mofoluke Adebiyi, stated this recently at the 2025 World Cities Day commemoration held at the Local Government Staff Training School, Secretariat, Ibadan.
The event, themed “People-Centred Smart Cities,” focused on creating urban spaces that prioritize human well-being alongside technological progress.
Mrs. Adebiyi described the theme as one that aligns closely with Governor Seyi Makinde’s urban development agenda, which emphasizes “technology and, more importantly, people-focused innovation and inclusive spatial planning.”
She explained that the Ibadan Circular Road Corridor and the Ilu-Tuntun Smart City project stand as a testament to the governor’s commitment to modern and inclusive urban development.
“Across the world, cities are undergoing profound transformation,” she said. “Digital technology now shapes how people live, move, and interact, influencing everything from mobility to waste management, building design, and governance. Yet, at the core of every successful city lies the human element, the community, the sense of belonging, and equitable access to opportunities.”
The Executive Adviser noted that smart cities must balance innovation with inclusion, stressing that the State Government’s initiatives aim to address pressing challenges such as inadequate housing and urban congestion.
According to her, the creation of the Oyo State New Towns and Cities Development Authority (OYNTCDA) was a deliberate step toward coordinated and sustainable urban growth.
“The Authority’s mandate is to lead the planning, coordination, and delivery of new model cities, integrated districts, and infrastructure-led development corridors that can reshape the urban landscape of our dear state,” she explained.
Highlighting the state’s flagship projects, Ilu-tuntun New City and the Circular Road Corridor Urban District, Mrs. Adebiyi said the developments reflect the state’s forward-looking vision.
“Ilutuntun New City, located in Akinyele Local Government Area, is conceptualized as a modern, globally competitive urban hub that integrates smart infrastructure, innovation-driven enterprise zones, and inclusive residential neighborhoods,” she said.
“It’s not merely about decongesting Ibadan; it’s about attracting new residents, industries, and investors.”
She added that the Circular Road Corridor Urban District, covering about 2,600 hectares in its first phase, is being developed as a mixed-use zone linking multiple peri-urban local governments, with potential for logistics, housing, and commercial expansion.
Mrs. Adebiyi explained that Oyo State is leveraging Geographic Information Systems (GIS), digital permitting, and spatial databases to improve urban governance and equitable land allocation. However, she stressed that the success of these projects depends on active community participation and collaboration.
“Smart cities are not defined by technology alone, but by how technology serves people,” she emphasized. “We are engaging with communities, traditional leaders, developers, and academia to ensure that every project reflects shared aspirations and inclusive participation.”
The adviser also revealed that the State is aligning with UN-Habitat’s Strategic Plan (2026–2029), focusing on housing, land, and basic services to deepen its sustainable urban development agenda.
“When, by the grace of God, we succeed, Oyo State will not only be known for its rich cultural heritage but will stand as a beacon for modern, livable, and people-centred smart cities in Africa,” she said.
She urged all stakeholders, policymakers, professionals, investors, civil society, and community representatives to collaborate in shaping urban spaces that promote dignity, safety, and opportunity for all residents.
The 2025 World Cities Day commemoration brought together government officials, urban planners, development partners, and private sector players, all united in their call for sustainable, inclusive, and technology-driven city planning.
Delivering a keynote address titled “Building Smart and Inclusive Cities—A Case Study of Ilu-Titun Business District Initiative,”
a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (FNIA)
Architect Olufemi Lola Oyenekan,highlighted the Oyo State Government’s efforts to reposition Ibadan through strategic urban innovations such as the Ibadan Circular Road Development Project under the Oyo State New Town and City Development Authority (OYNTCDA).
“Smart cities are not about technology; they are about people living better lives,” Oyenekan said, quoting Carlo Ratti of MIT’s Senseable City Lab to underscore the human-centred approach driving Oyo State’s urban renewal vision.
The architect described Ibadan as a city of deep historical roots that is now being reimagined for modern brilliance.
According to him, the Ibadan Circular Road Development Project goes beyond physical infrastructure. It is a symbol of transformation and a deliberate step towards building a sustainable, inclusive, and technology-driven metropolis.
In his presentation roadmap, the architect outlined key focus areas, including the definition of smart cities, project vision and scope, and the triple impact economic, environmental, and social impact of the initiative.
He explained that a truly smart city “works smarter, not just harder,” combining data, digital tools, and intelligent design to improve citizens’ quality of life, enhance operational efficiency, drive economic growth, and promote environmental sustainability.
“The six pillars of a smart city,” he noted, “are Smart Mobility, Smart Environment, Smart Economy, Smart Living, Smart People, and Smart Governance. Each pillar contributes to creating a city that is inclusive, efficient, and future-ready.”
Oyenekan lauded the Oyo State Government’s leadership in championing urban development that balances innovation with inclusivity.
The event, which brought together policymakers, urban planners, architects, and development experts, underscored the importance of building cities that are not only technologically advanced but also responsive to the needs and aspirations of their people.
In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of OYNTCDA, Mr. Seun Raji, said that the event is historic, being the first in the history of the state.
He expressed optimism that the initiative of the Smart Cities is timely and will bring a lot of improvement to the life and living of the citizens of Oyo State in the near future.
Also, speaking, the Chairman, Akinyele Local Government, Honourable Wole Akinyele, said that he is glad with the Oyo State government’s plans for the new towns and cities development from which the rural dwellers will benefit in terms of electricity good roads coming to the rural area.
In her remarks, the immediate past Head of Service, Alhaja Ololade Agboola, said that Oyo State is blessed with mineral resources and is grateful for the great feat.
She therefore called for support from all stakeholders for the new agency.
A panel of discussants on the topic “Digital Innovation to Enhance Urban Infrastructure, Land Use, and Basic Services” submitted that Oyo State is opening up to the global world, which is aligning with the global world vision, and mission of partnership and collaboration with tech people—innovators and investors. It is a new dawn for Oyo State, as the native is changing from what it used to be.”
E-Signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade
Commissioner for Information, Oyo State
November 3, 2025
Published by Newspot Nigeria.
