Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has charged residents of the state, and Nigerians in general to play down ethnic and religious differences, and focus on the shared values that unite the people.
The governor stated this on Wednesday while receiving the Muslim delegation who paid him a homage at his Ikolaba private residence after the 2026 Eid-el-Adha prayers at the Agodi Eid Ground, Gate, Ibadan.
Makinde on values that unite
He congratulated the Muslim faithful on witnessing the 2026 Eid-el-Kabir and thanked them for their prayers and commitment to the state as well as their unflinching support for him and his government over the past seven years.
The governor urged the Muslim delegation as well as the people of Oyo State to continue praying for the success of his administration.
Makinde noted that the 2027 general election would hold within the next eight months, and enjoined politicians and citizens to put the interest of the state and the country above partisan politics.
Speaking on the security challenges confronting the state, particularly the recent abduction of school children at Oriire Local Government Area, the governor assured the families and relatives of the victims that the government is working tirelessly to secure their safe return.
Earlier in his address, the state deputy governor, Chief Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, who led the delegation, commended Governor Makinde for his purposeful and visionary leadership.
He noted that the governor’s style of governance had continued to attract recognition beyond the state, describing him as a strong political force within the country.
The deputy governor called on residents, particularly the Muslim faithful, to continue to pray for the success of the administration and for lasting peace in the state.
He noted that the government needed their support, understanding and prayers to further deepen stability, unity and prosperity in Oyo State.
Offering special prayers for the governor, Professor Kamil Oloso, prayed for more successes for the administration.
He expressed the appreciation of the Muslim community in the state to the governor for his unwavering support.
On the delegation were Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta States, Alhaji Dawud Makanjuola Akinola; Deputy Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi; member representing Ibadan North-East/South-East Federal Constituency, Hon. Abass Adigun Agboworin;
Member representing Ibadan North-West/ Southwest Federal Constituency, Hon Adedeji Stanley Olajide; Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde; Commissioner for Works, Hon Mojeed Mogbonjubola;
Commissioner for Establishment, Professor Solihu Abdulwaheed Adelabu;
Commissioner for Special Duties, Alhaja Faosat Sanni; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Mikal Bayo Lawal; Chairman of all Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon Sikiru Sanda; Oloye Nureni Akanbi and Honourable Tunde Tijani, among other dignitaries.
