Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde said that the Oyo State at 50 celebrations are deeply personal to him because the state has shaped his life over the last five decades.
Governor Makinde, who said this during the opening ceremony of the celebrations which was held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan on Monday, 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 said that Oyo State at 50 is a milestone to celebrate the identity, resilience and progress of Oyo State in the last 50 years, but also an opportunity for reflections and renewal of commitment to making the state greater in the coming decades.
He also noted 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 through “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.”
He added that while celebrating its golden jubilee, the state is also strengthening the foundation for the future, and also making a commitment to peace, security, good governance, fiscal responsibility and security as well as 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.
“Through the late Chief Bola Ige’s free education, I was given a desk, a chair, ruler, textbooks, notebooks and free tuition fee while at Bishop Philips Academy in 1980. So, when Baba BOVAS was saying I am passionate about Oyo State, I can say it’s a way for me to give back to Oyo State what I have benefitted from the state. So, this golden jubilee is more than a milestone but a moment of reflection, responsibility and renewal.
“In recent days, scores of indigenous residents and friends of Oyo State have shared tributes on our digital tribute wall. Their stories remind us that the true strength of Oyo State lies in its people.
“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.
“As we mark this golden jubilee, we commit ourselves to a future built on strong institutions, sustainable growth, empowered young people, inclusive development and lasting stability.
“Permit me to speak on behalf of the people of Oyo State as we make a collective commitment to that future. We commit to building a stronger and more competitive economy that creates jobs, attracts investment and expands opportunity. We commit to infrastructure that drives development, education that prepares our children for the future and 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 also used the opportunity to appreciate everyone who has made sacrifices towards the safety, security and prosperity of the state over the years.
In his goodwill address, former Governor of Oyo State and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, appreciated all the past governors from military administrators to the civilians, political actors, and other prominent people of the state for their sacrifices and dedication, which he said shaped the fortune of the state.
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 Bovas Group, Arch Segun Bamidele and wife of a former Secretary to the State Government, Chief (Mrs) Elizabeth Akinyele, commended Governor Makinde during whose administration the state is celebrating golden jubilee.
According to them, Governor Makinde took the bold step of institutionalising the Oyo at 50 celebration, ensuring that the legacies of past leaders and the sacrifices of the people of Oyo State are duly honoured.
They appreciated the governor’s efforts on workers’ and pensioners’ welfare, infrastructure development and economic expansion, noting that his policies have not only culminated into securing the state, they have also helped it to maintain its status as a pacesetter.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman, Oyo State at 50 Anniversary Committee and two-term member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, said the celebration is an opportunity to celebrate the efforts of past leaders, and each administration that in different areas and under varying circumstances laid the foundation stone 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 through infrastructure, revitalised education, improved access to healthcare facilities, enhancement of security architecture, economic reforms and improved internally generated revenue as well as a repositioned agriculture and agribusiness.
He added that the state is demonstrating good governance and rapid transformation at the sub-national level, while also calling 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 had in attendance a former first lady of Oyo State, Chief ( Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja; Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr Bayo Lawal and his wife, Chief Mrs Ajibola Lawal; representatives of past military administrators and former governors of Oyo State; former deputy governor, Engr Hamid Gbadamosi; Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun; former Minister of Trade and Investment, Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande; former Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Badejoko Adeniyi; and the President, Oyo State Customary Court of Appeal, Hon Justice T.M Abdulganiyu.
Also in attendance were the Member representing Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North Federal Constituency, Hon Anthony Adepoju; Member representing Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency, Hon Abass Adigun (Agboworin); Member representing Ibadan North West/South West Federal Constituency, Hon Dhikrullah Stanley Olajide; Member representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa, Hon Shina Oyedeji and the Member representing Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon Folajimi Oyekunle.
Others were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon Kazeem Adeniyi; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; Chairman and Co-Chairman, Oyo State Elders Council, Dr Saka Balogun and Elder Wole Oyelese; Chief Bayo Oyero; Chairman, PDP South-West, Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe; Women Leader, PDP South-West, Alhaja Bose Adedibu; President -General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Barr Ajeniyi Ajewole; Commissioners; Permanent Secretaries; traditional rulers, religious leaders; service commanders; and Labour Union leaders, among others.
