Well, I’ve seen different takes on the Government House renovation issue, and some people have even tagged or mentioned me in their posts.
Let me be clear: I’m not a Quantity Surveyor, an Architect, or a Builder.
But this is my Point of View (POV), so think twice before you comment rubbish under my post. “Igi ewedu o ní wo pawa oo!”
When it comes to being prudent, whether you agree or not, Governor Seyi Makinde has always been prudent with state spending.
Now let’s get something straight: the Government House isn’t just where the Governor lives. A standard Government House that will include:
✅ Governor’s private residence
✅ Deputy Governor’s lodge
✅ Guest chalets for visiting dignitaries — (each state will now have theirs)
✅ Staff quarters (for senior aides, domestic workers, security chiefs)
✅ Banquet hall (for receptions and official dinners)
✅ Multipurpose hall (for town halls, meetings, indoor events)
✅ Chapel and mosque
✅ Full security infrastructure (fencing, surveillance, armory, control room, gatehouses)
Yes, ₦63 billion is a huge sum, and sure, there are many things that money can do in Oyo State. But the renovation is long overdue. And if it’s not done now, next year the cost will likely be even higher.
The Governor mentioned during his recent ‘State of the State’ address how a $200M IUFMP loan taken by the previous administration at ₦350 per dollar (₦70B) is now over ₦300B, just because of the rising exchange rate. That’s the reality of inflation.
Hope you’re all aware that A 100,000 bags of cement now costs nearly ₦1 billion in some cases.
So here’s the real gist:
👉 Only the Presidential Lounge is the only one in decent condition that can be renovated
👉 All other chalets will be fully reconstructed, not patched or repainted.
👉 Each Nigerian state will now have a named chalet — Kano, Imo, Rivers, etc. — for when their dignitaries visit.
👉 This will cut down long-term hospitality costs and ensure better security for visitors.
👉 Right now, most of the buildings in the compound are in terrible condition — even the mosque and the chapel are eyesores.
To add context, building just 1km of road in Nigeria today costs over ₦1B. When you understand that, ₦63B for rebuilding the entire Government House infrastructure doesn’t sound as outrageous.
Yes, ask questions, demand accountability.
But let’s all wait for the Bill of Quantities (BOQ) once it’s released for public digestion, then we’ll see clearly what every kobo is meant for.
If this administration doesn’t fix it now, another one will do it, and it might cost us even more. But doing it now, transparently, with long-term benefits in mind, makes this a strategic and necessary investment.
So, if you must criticize the Governor, wait for the BOQ first. Let the Governor “die” before you bury him.
Our Governor is not “Omo oni na kuna”. He knows what he’s doing.
My name is Idris Damola Olalekan from Ward 7 Ona Ara Local Government
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