Oyo at 50: Makinde Vows Strong Institutions, Sustainable Growth

The Oyo State Governor,  Seyi Makinde, says his administration is dedicated to shaping a future grounded in robust institutions, sustainable growth, empowered youth, inclusive development, and enduring stability as the state observes its 50th anniversary.

Makinde made the pledge on Monday in Ibadan, the state capital, at the opening of the golden jubilee anniversary of the state.

He said the 50 years had been years of resilience, sacrifice, and progress.

The governor said, as a citizen, his life had been shaped by the state for five decades.

“From childhood to public service, the journey of our state has shaped my values, my sense of beauty, and my belief in what this state can become,” he said.

He asserted that the golden jubilee was more than a milestone.

Makinde noted: “It is a moment of reflection, responsibility, and renewal.

“From strengthening our economy to expanding infrastructure, from improving education and healthcare, to restoring peaceful discipline and public trust.

“Oyo State has moved from promises to performance and from potential to measurable progress.”

The governor, thereafter, on behalf of the people of the state, made collective commitments to the future while the people affirmed it.

The commitments are: building a stronger and more competitive economy that creates jobs, attracts investment, and expands opportunity, infrastructure that drives development, and education that prepares children for the future.

He added that he would build institutions that would endure beyond any administration.

Others are: commitment to peace, security, good governance, fiscal responsibility, and a state that remains safe, stable, and open for business.

The governor reaffirmed commitment to ensuring that the next 50 years deliver greater prosperity, fairness, dignity, and hope for every citizen of Oyo State.

Makinde thanked the security agencies in the state for their sacrifices, dedication, and commitment to keeping the state safe and secure.

In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Oyo @ 50 Planning Committee, Saheed Fijabi, said the state’s journey over the past 50 years had been shaped by its people, leadership and progress, noting that Oyo remained a cornerstone of national development.

Fijabi said the anniversary celebration provided an opportunity to honour heroes within and outside the state who had contributed to the development of Oyo State and Nigeria.

In his goodwill message, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, reflected on the journey of the state, saying sacrifices paved the way for today’s progress.

Ladoja credited not only political leaders but also past traditional rulers, including the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Olubuse Sijuade; the late Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; and the late Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Oyewumi Ajagungbade, for their roles in reshaping the state.

He, however, noted that the state was not yet where it ought to be and urged residents to continue pushing for a better state, reminding them that “the journey of a thousand miles begins with a step”.

Oyo State was created by the military government on February 3, 1976, and has had 17 governors, military and civilian, before Makinde, who is the 18th to hold the office.