The Oyo State Government has unveiled a week-long programme of events to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the creation of the state.
There are indications also that Governor Seyi Makinde will grant state pardon to deserving inmates in the spirit of celebrating five decades of the creation of the state.
While addressing journalists at the Briefing Room of the Governor’s Office, Agodi Secretariat, Ibadan, to make public the line-up of events, the Chairman, Oyo @ 50 Anniversary Committee, and former member of the House of Representatives, Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, said the events will showcase the best of Oyo while also celebrating five decades of resilience, togetherness and peace.
Akinade-Fijabi said that the Golden Jubilee programme, including activities such as religious services, cultural exhibitions, award and dinner night and a public lecture titled “Consolidating the Legacy, Navigating the Present and Reimagining the Future”, was structured to combine reflection, thanksgiving, intellectual engagement and cultural celebration, in line with the future-driven vision of Governor Seyi Makinde.
The Chairman of the Committee noted that the festivities will begin on January 26th, with Governor Seyi Makinde’s address at the International Conference Center, University of Ibadan, through to February 3rd, with a dinner night to honour distinguished citizens and contributors to the state’s development.
Other activities include health outreach in the 33 LGAs, film show in the six geo-political zones, carnival, symposium and lectures, religious services, sports, and empowerment programme for women.
Fielding questions from reporters, the Chairman said the event which will be all year long will see many projects being completed to commemorate the celebration, assuring that even non indigenes who are residents and have contributed to the progress of the state over the years will be recognised.
Historical Achievement
He revealed that awards of recognition will be given to people from across various fields of human endeavours, saying a Hall of Fame will soon be opened inside the State Secretariat to showcase the historical achievements and contributions to the state since it was created.
Noting that invitation for the event has been extended to citizens, friends and various people rom across the globe, Akinade-Fijabi stressed that the celebration is not a political party affair and as such people from various political divide will be in attendance to celebrate the state.
Oyo State was created on the 3rd of February, 1976, from the former Western Region of Nigeria, with Ibadan serving as its administrative capital.
Lateefah Ibrahim