Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, on Monday, unveiled the Oyo @ 50 Logo and the 50-Day Countdown to the golden jubilee anniversary of the creation of Oyo State.
This was as the governor said the Pacesetter State has witnessed remarkable progress, development and growth in the last 50 years of its creation.
The winner of the Oyo @ 50 Logo Design Competition, which was declared open a few weeks ago, Mr Ajayi Olaleye Sunday, was rewarded with ₦1.5million at the event.
The event had in attendance a former governor and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; former deputy governor, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi; Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye; representative of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, other leading traditional rulers and eminent citizens of the state in attendance.
In his speech at the event held at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, Governor Makinde said there were many reasons to celebrate the golden jubilee of the state’s creation despite the current situation in the country.
Makinde noted that Oyo State has witnessed many landmark developments and produced men and women of excellence, who have brought glory to the state and Nigeria.
He expressed his appreciation to everyone who has made one contribution or the other to the development of Oyo State over the past 50 years.
Highlighting the contributions of his administration, the governor noted that his government has done its best to ensure continuity in the development of the state, citing several infrastructure development projects.
Makinde explained how his administration’s short term and long term approaches to governance have helped in ensuring continuity in the development of the state.
The governor said he has seen to the completion of uncompleted projects from previous administrations and ensured that viable dreams of past governments became a reality once they were about the development of the state.
He mentioned how his government ensured the completion of the Saki Township Road, the construction of the Akobo Bridge and the resolution of the LAUTECH ownership crisis, among others.
He equally cited how his administration’s commitment to building the Ibadan Circular Road, named after Oba Ladoja, demonstrated how his government has turned the vision of past leaders to reality.
The governor gave an assurance that the 32-kilometre first segment of the project will be commissioned to mark the Oyo @ 50 celebration.
Makinde said: “Some people may ask, what is there to celebrate in Nigeria of today, with the hardship, with the poverty around. But in spite of all of these, Oyo State has been making progress.
“So, even if it is just those little wins, let us celebrate; let us roll out the drums for Oyo @ 50, and let us look forward to another 50 years of development and growth in Oyo State.”
He added: “Since I came in 2019, government functions have been held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan or Professor Ogunlesi Hall, opposite UCH. But now, the banquet for Oyo @ 50 will be held at the new Banquet Hall we are building at the Government House.
“So, the unveiling of the Oyo State at 50 Logo and 50-Day Countdown are part of the activities to celebrate Oyo @ 50.
“There is a lesson for all of us. If we look at the next 50 years, it means we cannot afford to take short term approach to things. It has to be short, medium, and long-term approach.
“When we came in, we decided to take a medium to long-term approach to most of the things that we met on the ground. Some people came to me and told me that the projects of the previous administration I should not touch them but start mine afresh. But we didn’t listen to all that.
“Then, some people began to say we didn’t have projects; that we were only completing the projects of the past administrations.
“For emphasis, I can mention a few of those projects. The Akobo Bridge was not there. We did not only complete it but extended the road to Olorunda-Aba.
“It is the same if you go to the Saki Township Road, which used to be dusty. We completed it and after that, we did Saki-Ogbooro-Igboho Road. Now, we are starting the Igboho-Kisi Road.
“Also, the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Annex in Oyo has been abandoned for over many years. Now we are going to finish it. We already put some money in the 2026 Budget for that.
“So, that is just a few of the things that we did to demonstrate continuity, and to equally validate the fact that Oyo State will continue to go from strength to strength.
“For the continuity of Oyo State’s development, however, I will make recommendation for the people of Oyo State on who should govern the state after us.
“I only have 17 months left on this seat to serve the people of Oyo State. But one assurance I can give is that Oyo State will not witness backwardness during my time and during the time of those we recommend.”
Earlier in his goodwill message, Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, who spoke through Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, expressed his appreciation to God for witnessing the 50 years celebration of the state.
Oba Ladoja, who is a former governor of the state, recalled that he was in office when the 30th anniversary of the state’s creation was celebrated.
Also in their separate goodwill remarks, former Minister of Trade, Investment and Industry, Chief Mrs Onikepo Akande, OON; Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Olajide Titiloye, and Chief Bayo Oyero, described Governor Makinde as a reform-minded leader who has consistently demonstrated fairness to everyone in the state irrespective of their beliefs, religion or political affiliations.
They affirmed that Oyo State, under Governor Makinde, has witnessed laudable developments with landmark projects that are instrumental to the growth of the state.
Giving his welcome address, Chairman of the Oyo State @ 50 Anniversary Committee, Hon Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, said the purpose of the event is to celebrate the past, showcase the present achievements, recognise those who contributed to the growth of the state and also, articulate the bold vision for the next 50 years.
The former member of the House of Representatives assured the people of the state of an inclusive anniversary celebration that will be reflective of cultural exhibition, intellectual engagement, community-based activities and youth-focused programmes and will highlight unity in diversity, shared vision, collective aspirations and progress.
Fijabi called for cooperation and support to ensure peaceful, memorable and remarkable events across the state.
The event had in attendance the governor’s wife, Engineer (Mrs) Tamunominini Makinde; Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal and his wife, Chief (Mrs) Ajibola Lawal; Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja; former Deputy Governor Hamid Gbadamosi; Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Mohammed Fadeyi; Chief Judge of Oyo state, Hon Justice Iyabo Yerima, represented by Hon A.L Akintola; and President, Oyo State Customary Court of Appeal, Hon Justice T. M Abdulganiyu.
Also in attendance were a former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; member representing Ibadan North-West/South-West Federal Constituency, Hon Dhikrullahi Stanley Olajide and the member representing Iseyin/Kajola/Iwajowa/Itesiwaju Federal Constituency, Hon Shina Oyedeji.
The event was also attended by top government functionaries, including the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo; 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; and Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon Sikiru Sanda.
Director-General, DAWN Commission, Mr Seye Oyeleye; President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole; Babaloja-General of Oyo State, Chief Yekini Abass; Dr Muyiwa Makinde, Engineer Femi Babalola, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and labour union leaders, among other dignitaries, also attended the event.
