Governor Seyi Makinde has unveiled the Oyo State at 50 Logo and the 50-Day Countdown to the Golden Jubilee of the state’s creation.
Governor Makinde said the Pacesetter State has witnessed remarkable progress, development, and growth in the last 50 years.
During the event held at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, the winner of the Oyo State at 50 Logo Design Competition, declared open a few weeks ago, Mr Ajayi Olaleye Sunday, was rewarded with ₦1.5 million.
The Governor noted that there were many reasons to celebrate the golden jubilee despite the current situation in the country, highlighting that the state had witnessed landmark developments and produced men and women of excellence who have brought glory to Oyo State and Nigeria.
He expressed appreciation to everyone who has contributed to the state’s development over the past 50 years.
Governor Makinde said; “his government has worked to ensure continuity in Oyo State’s development, citing several infrastructure projects.”
Explaining how his administration’s short-term and long-term governance approaches have ensured continuity, the governor said; “he had overseen the completion of uncompleted projects from previous administrations and ensured that viable initiatives from past governments became a reality when aimed at the state’s development.”
Governor Makinde mentioned the completion of the Saki Township Road, the construction of the Akobo Bridge, and the resolution of the LAUTECH ownership crisis, among others.
He also cited the Ibadan Circular Road project, named after Oba Rashidi Ladoja, as evidence of how his government has turned the vision of past leaders into reality, noting that the 32-kilometre first segment will be commissioned to mark the Oyo at 50 celebration.
“So, that is just a few of the things that we did to demonstrate continuity, and to equally validate the fact that Oyo State will continue to go from strength to strength. For the continuity of Oyo State’s development, however, I will make a recommendation for the people of Oyo State on who should govern the state after us. I only have 17 months left on this seat to serve the people of Oyo State. But one assurance I can give is that Oyo State will not witness backwardness during my time and during the time of those we recommend,” he said.
A former governor of Oyo State and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, speaking through Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, expressed gratitude to God for witnessing the state’s 50th anniversary, recalling that he was in office when the 30th anniversary was celebrated.
In separate goodwill messages, the former Minister of Trade, Investment and Industry, Chief Mrs Onikepo Akande; the Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Olajide Titiloye; and Chief Bayo Oyero, described Governor Makinde as a reform-minded leader who has consistently demonstrated fairness to everyone in the state, regardless of beliefs, religion, or political affiliation.
They affirmed that Oyo State, under Governor Makinde, has witnessed laudable developments and landmark projects that have been instrumental to the state’s growth.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Oyo State @ 50 Anniversary Committee and former House of Representatives member, Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, said the event aimed to celebrate the past, showcase present achievements, recognise contributors to the state’s growth, and articulate a bold vision for the next 50 years.
He assured the people of an inclusive anniversary celebration that will feature cultural exhibitions, intellectual engagement, community-based activities, and youth-focused programmes, highlighting unity in diversity, shared vision, collective aspirations, and progress.
Fijabi called for cooperation and support to ensure peaceful, memorable, and remarkable events across the state
PIAK