The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, has described the autonomy granted to the Oyo Passport Office as an important development that will make government services more accessible to residents.
Drivetvnews gathered that the monarch said the development would reduce the need for residents to travel long distances to state capitals, ease congestion at regional passport centres and promote economic and social activities within Oyo.
Oba Owoade made the remarks on Friday through a delegation led by a member of the Oyo Traditional Council, High Chief Asimiyu Atanda, during a visit to the Oyo Passport Office to congratulate its management on the new status.
The delegation’s visit was disclosed in a statement issued by the Alaafin’s Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, in Ibadan.
Before the latest development, the Oyo Passport Office operated under the Ibadan Passport Office. Its new autonomous status means that passports processed at the Oyo office will now bear the name of the Oyo Passport Office.
The Alaafin said the development would bring biometric capture and documentation services closer to residents of rural and semi-urban communities while reducing transportation expenses and travel time.
He added that the independent office would help reduce pressure and long queues at major passport centres.
According to him, the presence of the passport office could also increase commercial activities in Oyo as residents of neighbouring communities visit the town for passport-related services.
He further noted that the office could contribute to employment creation through direct staffing and businesses that provide services to visitors.
The Chief Passport Officer of the Oyo Passport Office, Assistant Controller of Immigration Oladejo David, expressed appreciation to the Alaafin’s delegation for the visit.
David said the development was achieved through the efforts of the monarch and the support of notable Oyo indigenes, particularly Alhaji Daud Igi Ogun.
He appealed to the Alaafin to help create awareness among residents and encourage them to use the Oyo Passport Office rather than travelling to Ibadan or Ilorin for passport services.
David assured residents that the autonomous office would provide faster and more efficient services.
Members of the Alaafin’s delegation included the monarch’s Director of Administration, Prince Adesola Sanda, and Islamic scholar, Alhaji Daud Igi Ogun.
