As the one week-long Oyo State @ 50 anniversary celebrations commences on Monday, Governor ‘Seyi Makinde has pledged his administration’s commitment to securing a better future for the state.
The better future, he said, will be anchored on strong institutions, sustainable growth, empowerment of young people, inclusive development and lasting stability.
Makinde stated this at the opening ceremony of the event held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan,
He noted that Oyo State @ 50 is not only 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.
The governor stated that the celebrations were deeply personal to him because the state has shaped his life over the last five 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.
These, he said, would be achieved 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 was also strengthening the foundation for the future, and also making a commitment to peace, security, good governance, fiscal responsibility and security.
Makinde added that the state was as well ensuring that the next 50 years would deliver greater prosperity, fairness, dignity and hope for its every citizens.
“Today, we gather to kick off the celebration of 50 years of Oyo State. 50 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 [Arch Segun Bamidele] 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,” he said.
The governor further said: “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.”
Governor Makinde also used the opportunity to appreciate everyone who has, over the years, made sacrifices towards the safety, security and prosperity of the state.
In his goodwill address, a former governor of Oyo State and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi 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, Speaker, 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 State @ 50 celebration, ensuring that the legacies of past leaders and the sacrifices of the people of the 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, also helped it to maintain its status as a pacesetter.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman, Oyo State @ 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.
He noted that they had, 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.
Akinade-Fijabi added that the state is demonstrating good governance and rapid transformation at the sub-national level.
He also 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 a former First Lady of Oyo State, Chief ( Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja; Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal and his wife, Chief Mrs Ajibola Lawal; representatives of past military administrators and former governors of the state; former Deputy Governor 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 President, Oyo State Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice T.M Abdulganiyu.
Also in attendance were members representing Ibarapa Central/Ibarapa North Federal Constituency, Hon Anthony Adepoju; Ibadan North-East/Ibadan South-East Federal Constituency, Hon Abass Adigun (Agboworin);
Members representing Ibadan North West/South West Federal Constituency, Hon Stanley Olajide; Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa, Hon Shina Oyedeji and Ibadan North Federal Constituency, Hon Folajimi Oyekunle.
Others were Secretary to the State Government, Professor 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 (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; PDP Women Leader (South-West), Alhaja Bose Adedibu;
President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole; commissioners; permanent secretaries; traditional rulers, religious leaders; service commanders; and Labour Union leaders, among others.
