By Femi Ojo
IBADAN — Exactly one year after initial announcements, the Oyo State Government has officially taken delivery of its long-awaited surveillance aircraft, a major milestone aimed at bolstering intelligence gathering and strengthening the security architecture of the pacesetter state.
The aircraft touched down at the Ibadan Airport, where Governor Seyi Makinde received the security asset alongside top government and security officials.
Speaking shortly after the landing, Governor Makinde described the development as the fulfillment of a strategic security initiative conceived to complement security personnel on the ground across the state’s vast territory.
According to the governor, the decision to procure the surveillance aircraft was primarily informed by Oyo State’s expansive landmass and the pressing need for rapid aerial intelligence to support ongoing security operations.
“When we took the decision to purchase this surveillance aircraft, it was because of the sheer landmass and the size of our state. We knew that we had to complement the boots on the ground,” Makinde stated.
The governor noted that although some of the security challenges that later confronted the state—including recent abduction incidents—were unforeseen at the time of conception, the administration’s investment in aerial surveillance has proven remarkably timely.
“We didn’t know what was going to happen. I’ve seen people criticize us and ask, ‘Where is the aircraft?’ But we planned for it so that we would be able to cover as much of the state’s landmass as possible within the shortest time,” he said.
Expressing satisfaction over the arrival of the asset, Makinde reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to taking proactive decisions that serve the best interests of residents.
“I’m glad that now it’s here, and I believe we will always do what is right in the interest of our people. In an atmosphere of insecurity, you can hardly do anything.
“Now, our children are back, our teachers are back, and we’re moving on with our plans,” he added.
Disclosing the immediate operational status of the aircraft, the governor revealed that the state has entered into a strategic partnership with the Nigerian Air Force to ensure its effective deployment and maintenance.
“We’re hitting the ground running. You can see the aircraft was flown by Air Force pilots.
“We have negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Air Force, and we will be working together,” Makinde noted.
He reassured residents of the state that his administration will continue to prioritize their safety, security, and general welfare above all else.
“My message to the people of Oyo State is that their government will always be there to serve them,” the governor concluded.
The arrival of the state-of-the-art surveillance aircraft is expected to significantly enhance aerial reconnaissance, timely intelligence gathering, and coordinated security operations across Oyo State, as the executive intensifies efforts to stamp out criminality and protect lives and property.
