Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has pledged his administration’s commitment to securing a better future built on strong institutions, sustainable growth, empowered young people, inclusive development, and lasting stability.
The governor stated this at the Opening Ceremony of the ‘Oyo State at 50’ celebration held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, southwest Nigeria.
Makinde noted that ‘Oyo State at 50’ is a milestone to celebrate the identity, resilience, and progress of the state in the last 50 years, and also an opportunity for reflection and the renewal of commitment to making the state greater in the coming decades.
He said the celebrations were deeply personal to him because the state has shaped his life over the last five decades, affirming that his government remains committed to ensuring that the next 50 years of Oyo State would deliver greater prosperity, fairness, dignity, and hope for every citizen in the state.
Competitive Economy
The governor promised that his administration will deliver a competitive economy that creates jobs, attracts investment, and expands opportunity, as well as infrastructure that drives development, education for the future, and institutions that endure beyond any administration.
Makinde noted that while celebrating its golden jubilee, the state is also strengthening the foundation for the future, and making a commitment to peace, security, good governance, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring that the next 50 years would deliver greater prosperity, fairness, dignity, and hope for every citizen of the state.
He said: “Today, we gather to kick off the celebration of 50 years of Oyo State. Fifty years of identity, resilience, sacrifice and progress. I speak not only as governor, but as a citizen whose life has been shaped by this state for five decades. From childhood to public service, the journey of Oyo State has shaped my values, my sense of duty and my belief in what this state can become.
“From strengthening our economy to expanding infrastructure, from improving education and healthcare to restoring fiscal discipline and public trust, Oyo State has moved from promises to performance and from potential to measurable progress. But today is not only about honouring the past, it is about securing the next 50 years.”
Governor Makinde made a commitment, on behalf of the people of Oyo State, to build a stronger and more competitive economy that creates jobs, attracts investment, and expands opportunity; to infrastructure that drives development; to education that prepares children for the future; and to institutions that endure beyond any administration.
“We commit to peace, security, good governance, fiscal responsibility and a state that remains safe, stable and open for business. And above all, we commit to ensuring that the next 50 years would deliver greater prosperity, fairness, dignity and hope for every citizen of Oyo State,” the governor declared.
In his goodwill address, a former Governor of Oyo State and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, appreciated all the past governors, from military administrators to civilians, political actors, and other prominent people of the state, for their sacrifices and dedication, which he said shaped the fortune of the state.
Goodwill Messages
In their separate goodwill messages, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; Chief Judge of the state, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Hon. Justice R. B. Akintola; Chairman of Bovas Group, Arch Segun Bamidele; and the wife of a former Secretary to the State Government, Chief (Mrs) Elizabeth Akinyele, commended Governor Makinde, during whose administration the state is celebrating its golden jubilee.
They appreciated the governor’s efforts on workers’ and pensioners’ welfare, infrastructure development, and economic expansion, noting that his policies have not only culminated in securing the state, but have also helped it maintain its status as a pacesetter.
Earlier, Chairman of the Oyo State at 50 Anniversary Committee and two-term member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, said the celebration was an opportunity to recognise the efforts of past leaders, and each administration that, in different areas and under varying circumstances, laid the foundation in governance, education, agriculture, infrastructure, and public service, which shaped Oyo State.
He lauded Governor Makinde’s leadership, which he described as a model of people-centred governance.
He said the state was demonstrating good governance and rapid transformation at the sub-national level, and called on residents and people of the state to look forward to a future of expanded industrialisation and investment driven by infrastructure and policy stability.
The event was attended by present and past leaders of the state, members of the House of Representatives, commissioners, permanent secretaries, traditional rulers, religious leaders, service commanders, and Labour Union leaders, among others.