Oyo govt announces plan to digitalise house numbering project
By Adejayan Gbenga –
The Oyo State Government has announced plans to implement a digital address system for street naming and house numbering across the state, aimed at enhancing urban development and improving emergency response services.
Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development, Mr. Williams Akin-Funmilayo, disclosed this during a meeting with representatives of Smart City Development Konsult Limited at the ministry’s conference room on Wednesday.
He disclosed that the initiative aligns with Governor Seyi Makinde’s “Omituntun 2.0” Roadmap to Sustainable Development and fulfills part of the administration’s promise to modernize infrastructure.
“The presentation made today by Smart City Development Konsult is part of the preliminary stage before we present it to the Executive Council,” Akin-Funmilayo explained. “House numbering is not just about giving buildings a number — it is about easy identification, location, and faster emergency response in times of need.”
He emphasized the importance of the project in life-threatening situations, warning that the absence of a proper address system could delay fire or medical emergency response and result in avoidable loss of life or property.
“Without proper house numbers, emergency responders often face confusion and delay. Time lost in locating a building can make a crucial difference between life and death,” he said.
The commissioner also noted that despite the limited time remaining in the current administration, efforts are ongoing to ensure the project takes off before the end of the term.
He confirmed that both he and the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, had discussed the proposal with Governor Makinde, who has given his full support for its implementation.
