Fresh FM Interview: Olufade Showcases Transformational Scorecard, Reaffirms Commitment To People-Centred Governance In Ibadan North
The Executive Chairman of Ibadan North Local Government, Hon. Oluwaseun Olufade, on Thursday delivered a comprehensive account of his administration’s achievements during an appearance on Situation Room, a popular current affairs programme on Fresh 105.9 FM anchored by veteran broadcaster Isaac Brown.
The widely followed programme focused on the chairman’s scorecard, offering residents fresh insight into the developmental strides recorded across key sectors in Ibadan North.
Reaffirming his people-centered approach, Olufade noted that his administration is built on grassroots engagement, recalling how he toured all 12 wards before his assumption of office to assess the needs of the people firsthand.
“Infrastructure development remains a key priority,” he said, disclosing that nearly 10 kilometers of road projects are ongoing across strategic locations including Bodija, Bashorun, Ikolaba, and the New Bodija axis.
He added that key roads such as Olive Court Road and Awosika Road have been successfully completed, alongside the earlier Sabo, Dandaru, Jembewon Road, the first executed by his administration, all aimed at improving connectivity and boosting economic activities.
The chairman further revealed that over 20 boreholes have been constructed across the wards, with two additional ones nearing completion to improve access to potable water.
On legislative development, Olufade disclosed that the legislative building is undergoing total reconstruction and will be commissioned in May as a modern edifice.
Speaking on security, he emphasized that Ibadan North remains one of the safest local governments in Oyo State due to robust collaboration with security agencies and consistent welfare support.
He highlighted the “Light Up Ibadan North” initiative, noting that 20 solar streetlights were installed in each of the 12 wards in the first phase (totaling 240), while the second phase added 120 more units across the local government, significantly enhancing security and night-time visibility.
In the health sector, Olufade stated that over 200 residents have benefited from free healthcare under the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme, with another phase set to commence. He cited a case of a beneficiary who underwent a multi-million-naira hip surgery fully covered under the scheme, while noting that maternal mortality has reduced significantly due to improved collaboration with primary health centres.
On education, the chairman praised Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde for some school reconstruction projects in Ibadan North.
He added that his administration has paid WAEC fees for over 20 students, is sponsoring selected beneficiaries up to tertiary level, and has distributed over 800 lockers and chairs alongside educational materials to public primary schools.
He also noted that plans are underway to fix some dilapidated school fences in Ibadan North Local Government.
Addressing environmental sanitation, Olufade commended the council’s environmental department for maintaining cleanliness through strict monitoring of food vendors, proper waste disposal enforcement, well-cleaning exercises, and prompt evacuation of refuse and hazardous waste.
Despite being a metropolitan area, he noted that the council has acquired hectares of land to support farming and is finalizing plans for a zero-interest loan scheme to empower residents and boost small-scale businesses.
On inclusivity, the chairman stated that his administration has supported persons living with disabilities, including payment of school fees, with plans underway to provide wheelchairs to at least 10 beneficiaries.
Speaking on revenue, Olufade revealed that Ibadan North Local Government surpassed its 2025 Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) target by 130 percent, driven by strategic investments in infrastructure.
On the issue of roadside traders and the newly constructed 540 modern shops at Bodija, the chairman commended the state government for prioritizing the safety and welfare of traders.
He disclosed that the local government, in collaboration with Bodija market leadership, has adopted a phased and humane approach to enforcement, focusing first on sensitization and engagement to ensure compliance before any punitive measures are introduced.
Olufade stressed that the essence of the free lock-up shops is to permanently move traders off the roads for safety and orderliness, adding that compliance is steadily improving as traders are being properly guided.
On the proposed development of an additional 1,000 shops, the chairman revealed that the council has taken proactive steps by identifying the rightful occupants of the space, engaging the relevant agency in charge, and working closely with the Ministry of Lands to regularize documentation. He assured that all necessary paperwork would be concluded within April, paving the way for the project’s execution.
When asked about his political ambition ahead of the forthcoming local government elections, Olufade maintained that governance remains his current focus.
“This is the time for governance, not politics,” he said.
He expressed appreciation to the people of Ibadan North for their continued support and reaffirmed his commitment to delivering impactful and inclusive governance.
The chairman also extended gratitude to the management staff of the local government for their dedication and contributions to the administration’s success.
Those who accompanied the chairman to the radio station include:
- Deacon Olabode Abayomi Ajebisi – Head of Local Government Administration
- Mr. Ajibola Rotimi O. – Director of Finance
- Mrs. Ejiade Olusola – Director of Administration and General Services
- Mrs. Oyedele Iyabo – Director of Education and Social Services
- Mrs. Akanbi Saidat Ademola – Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources
- Mrs. Sanusi Victoria Olubukola – Internal Auditor
Political functionaries present include:
- Comrade Ademuyiwa Mustapha – Ibadan North PDP Chairman
- Hon. Adebola Taiwo – Leader of the House
- Aderibigbe Yisahu – Head of Media to the Chairman
- Babalola Adebola – Ibadan North PDP Women Leader
- Sulaimon Hassan – Ibadan North PDP Youth Leader
- Hon. Kazeem Ibuowo – Special Assistant on Transportation
- Hon. Jossy Oladapo
- Hon. Ola Alaro Azeez
- Prince Afolabi Ademola – Ibadan North PDP General Secretary
