Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, on Friday, during Nigeria’s 61st Independence Anniversary celebration in the state, urged all citizens and residents of the state to join hands with the government to make the state better and Nigeria, a proud giant of Africa.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, called on the people to remain loyal and proud of the country, even in the face of the myriads of challenges facing the nation, saying security is everyone’s business and the people must, as such, cooperate with security operatives.
The 61st Independence Anniversary celebration, with the theme: “Impact of Insecurity on the Economic Development of the Nation”, took place at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, the Oyo State capital city.
The celebration which kick-started with a parade by officers and men of the Police Force was followed by a match past by primary and secondary school students, voluntary youth organisations, workers’ unions, and the paramilitary.
Makinde said: “We have all seen a very beautiful parade and have made history today. Today is the 61st independence anniversary of Nigeria and we are celebrating it in a beautiful brand new stadium. I am sure that it was a beautiful experience for the children and for all those who paraded. If you compare this stadium today to the way we have used it in the last twenty or thirty years, I am sure you can see that the difference is very clear.”
Governor Makinde gave the assurance that the government would not relent in its efforts at ensuring that the state does not divert from the path of greatness and development of the people.
He noted: “As we celebrate Nigeria today, I’ll like every one of us to tap our chest with joy and be proud to be Nigerians because there is a lot to be proud about, being Nigerians. And we all need to remember that we will do it together; the government and the good people of Oyo State will make our state and Nigeria better.
Speaking further on the theme, the governor pledged his unflinching support to both conventional and unconventional security agencies operating in the state in a bid to achieving a more secured Oyo State.
Makinde stated: “We thank God for the improved security in our state and we will continue to ask you to let us work together continuously to make our security situation to be under control. If you hear or see something, please do something about it. We have the total commitment of our service commanders and Amotekun, to ensure that where there is a security situation, we move in quickly and take care of it.”
The event was witnessed by top government functionaries, service commanders, traditional leaders, religious leaders, community leaders, socio-cultural groups, youth groups and students, amongst others.
Government functionaries in attendance include the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Segun Ogunwuyi; Deputy Chief of Staff, Abdul Mojeed Mogbonjubola and Oyo State Head of Service, Alhaja Amidat Agboola.
The list also includes the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi (III); the Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji and other notable traditional rulers in the state.
The highlight of the celebration was the distribution of prizes to winners of the match past and essay writing and debate competitions organised to mark the anniversary celebration.
Nnenna.O
