IBADAN — AFTER 188 years of its existence, the ancient city of Ibadan will soon have a tangible masterplan prepared by the Governor Abiola Ajimobi-led administration.

The master-plan of the 3.5million peopled-city, according to the state government, has reached 75 per cent completion.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources in the state, Chief Isaac Ishola, at the 2016 annual luncheon entitled: ‘Restructuring Nigeria as a Nation: The Benefits and shortcomings,’  organised by the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors, Oyo State branch in Ibadan.

Proposed master plan

The commissioner said that though the ancient city was founded in 1829, it could not boast of any tangible masterplan until Governor Ajimobi took the mantle of leadership. The state chairman of NIS, Ola Shiyanbola, at the luncheon also said; “The proposed master plan of Ibadan being currently worked upon is long overdue. The importance of the master plan to the physical development of Ibadan, the state capital, and the state as a whole cannot be over emphasised.

“There is need to have consultants and professionals to monitor and ensure that good results are obtained. Mapping of the state will solve many problems being faced in areas of physical development. Mapped states or countries are the best governed.”

He added”: “Land processing is becoming unbearable in Oyo State. The institution is appealing to the government to review downward the rates being charged for processing of certificate of occupancy, governor’s consent, submission of record copies of survey plans and building proposal approval at the state and zonal levels. With reduced rates, more land documentations will be executed.”

On the newly signed Real Property Protection Law 2016 which had been passed by the House of Assembly in December last year, he advised that the government should not rest on its oars  but ensure the implementation of