The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has signaled readiness to commence operations at its newly built passport office in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
The revelation followed an inspection to the Ogbomoso passport office by the Controller of the state’s command, Joseph Dada.
During a visit to the facility located along the Ogbomoso-Ilorin highway, Controller Dada lauded the community’s efforts in providing a befitting structure for the takeoff of the passport office.
“This is marvelous, what I am seeing, it is simply marvelous. There is nothing absolutely remaining except to bring in the needed equipment”, he said.
While noting that the final decision on the start of operations lies with higher authorities, Dada assured that his report would reflect the quality and readiness of the facility.
“No one will see something like this and allow it to go to waste. You have done wonderfully well,” he added.
The state controller emphasised that the presence of the passport office would boost local commerce and development, citing the example of the FESTAC passport office in Lagos, which, he said, transformed the economic landscape of its host community.
“As seen elsewhere, this office will bring economic growth. People will come here for services and trading, and Ogbomoso people will benefit directly,” he noted.
The controller also stressed the need for unity and cooperation among community members, saying, “The passport office is the glory of Ogbomoso. Its success depends on our collective effort. Let’s see it as a shared asset.”
Chairman of the building project committee, Alhaji Monsur Ejide expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Immigration Service and reiterated the community’s eagerness to see the facility put to use.
“We are ready. The earlier the operations begin, the better. This building should not be left unused for too long,” Ejide said.
The passport office was approved in 2022, with a condition that the host community would provide the building.
An Ogbomoso association, Egbe Omo Ogbomoso Parapo Agbaaye took up the responsibility and appointed Alhaji Ejide to lead the construction committee.
The foundation of the facility was laid on July 21, 2023, with financial contributions from several indigenes, though Ejide is credited with the bulk of the resources and moral support.
Earlier in the day, Dada paid a courtesy visit to the Soun of Ogbomosoland, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, where he also affirmed that operations would begin at the passport office soon.
The controller also met with the chairmen of Ogbomoso North and South LGAs, Honourables George Ogunlade and Oyedokun Timothy, who pledged the councils’ support.
