OYNTCDA Leads Dialogue on “People-Centered Smart Cities”
The Oyo State Government, through the Oyo State New Towns and Cities Development Authority (OYNTCDA), on Friday, October 31st, 2025, joined the global community to commemorate the World Cities Day 2025, marking the first-ever celebration of the event in Oyo State’s history.
The ceremony, which held at the Local Government Staff Training School, Secretariat, Ibadan, featured the theme: “People-Centered Smart Cities.”
Delivering her welcome address, the Executive Adviser to the Governor on OYNTCDA, Mrs. Mofoluke Adebiyi, commended the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, FNSE, DSc, GSSRS, for his relentless commitment to urban renewal, infrastructure expansion, and sustainable city development across Oyo State.
Mrs. Adebiyi, a seasoned scholar and development expert, highlighted the State Government’s readiness to transform Ibadan and other growing urban centers into smart, sustainable, and inclusive cities through various ongoing projects such as the Ilú Tuntun Central Business District, Circular Road Project, and other urban transformation initiatives.
Also Read:
“A liveable environment for the people of Oyo State through digital transformation is our utmost desire,” she said.
“We are committed to ensuring equitable access to opportunities—combining innovation with inclusion to provide social amenities and affordable housing for all.”
She further noted that the Authority’s mandate is to lead, plan, coordinate, and deliver integrated city models that promote smart urban expansion, attract new residents, stimulate private investment, and facilitate the development of high-standard infrastructure.
“There must be efficiency, resilience, and sustained sensitization across communities for effective information dissemination. This will fast-track the formation of smart cities in no time,” Mrs. Adebiyi added. “With quality, data-driven leadership, Oyo State’s urban cities can become sustainable through digitization, innovation, and people-focused development—creating smart cities and smart citizens.”
As Oyo State marks its maiden celebration of World Cities Day, Mrs. Adebiyi called on all stakeholders, development partners, and residents to support the vision of “Building Tomorrow’s Cities Today.”
The event was graced by top government officials, professionals, and stakeholders in the housing and urban development sector, including:
Mr. Akin-Funmilayo Williams, Honourable Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development
Arc. Lola Oyelekan, Urban Development Consultant
Hon. Olakunle Shete, CFR, Special Adviser to the Governor on Housing and Urban Planning
Hon. Akinwole Akinleye, Chairman, Akinyele Local Government
Mrs. Hamdalat Ololade Agboola, Former Head of Service, Oyo State
Hon. Tilewa Folami, Director-General, OYSIPPA
Hon. Temitope Glorious, Chairman, Ona Ara Local Government
Hon. Oluwaseun, Special Adviser on Project Performance Monitoring
Representatives of Director-General, DAWN Commission
And several other distinguished guests and technocrats.
The celebration underscored Oyo State’s ongoing commitment to sustainable urban development, digital transformation, and human-centered governance, aligning with the United Nations’ agenda for inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable cities.
About World Cities Day
World Cities Day is celebrated globally every October 31st to promote international cooperation in addressing urban challenges and advancing opportunities for sustainable urbanization. The 2025 theme, “People-Centered Smart Cities,” emphasizes the need to harness innovation and technology to make cities inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
About OYNTCDA
The Oyo State New Towns and Cities Development Authority (OYNTCDA) was established by the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde to plan, coordinate, and deliver integrated, modern city developments across the state. The Authority is committed to building sustainable, smart urban environments that promote economic growth, environmental resilience, and social inclusion.
For full details about the Authority’s mandate, services, and investment opportunities, visit the official website:www.oyntcda.oy.gov.ng
