Oyo State Governor in Southwest Nigeria, Seyi Makinde, has promised to protect the rights of the citizens of the state, saying the true test of good governance lies in the ability of the government to deliver policies that protect the rights of its citizens.
The governor made the promise at the Human Rights Day celebration organised by the Save the Poor and Needy Charity Initiative, held at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Agodi Ibadan, the state capital.
Makinde, who was represented by his Executive Assistant on Administration, Reverend Ìdòwú Ogedengbe, noted that any government talking about good governance without protecting the rights of it’s citizens is only being deceptive and does not have the best interest of the citizens at heart.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Justice Muftau Adegbola, recognised the good work of the charity organisation and disclosed that the appointment of eight more judges in the state was at an advanced stage.
Earlier in his speech, the founder and convener of the Save the Poor and Needy Charity Initiative, Comrade Ezekiel Bello, explained that the event was organised to sensitise the less privileged about their rights and the role of government in protecting and defending fundamental human rights.
The highlight of the event was the awards given to deserving members of society, including Governor Makinde, who was awarded the best governor of the year for the efforts of his administration in making life more comfortable for government workers and the less privileged in the state.
The event, which was graced by many notable personalities in the state, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Lekan Balogun, who was represented, was used to raise funds for the vulnerable in society.
