Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called on residents of the state to remain united, law-abiding and cooperative with government as a collective responsibility to build a greater and more prosperous Oyo State.
The governor made the call in his New Year broadcast on Thursday, urging citizens to continue performing their civic duties and supporting the state’s development agenda, noting that government alone cannot build the future the people desire.
Makinde thanked residents for their resilience, trust and support throughout 2025, describing the year as challenging but defining. He said despite economic pressures, insecurity and other national difficulties, Oyo State remained stable and focused.
“Though we were hard pressed on every side, we were not crushed,” the governor said, adding that calm, principled leadership helped the state maintain steady governance amid national uncertainty.
Reeling out achievements recorded in the outgone year, Makinde highlighted the commissioning of key transport infrastructure in Ibadan and significant progress on the 110-kilometre Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road, which he described as a strategic economic corridor designed to unlock growth, attract investment and create jobs.
He also noted that the state’s drive to shift from a consumptive to a productive economy received a boost through the Oyo State International Agribusiness Summit and the International Tourism Summit held in 2025. According to him, these initiatives reinforced agriculture and tourism as structured economic sectors capable of driving investment, job creation and long-term sustainability.
Makinde said Oyo State enjoyed relative peace in 2025 despite rising insecurity across the country, attributing this to collaboration with security agencies and improved coordination in addressing threats and emergencies.
On workers’ welfare, the governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to timely payment of salaries, stating that civil and public servants were paid on the 25th of every month, with an additional 13th-month salary paid in December.
Looking ahead, Makinde said the signing of the 2026 Budget of Economic Expansion had laid the foundation for economic uplift in the New Year, with emphasis on production, infrastructure completion, investment attraction and job creation
“2025 tested our resolve. 2026 will reward our preparation,” he said, while calling on residents to help keep the state peaceful, productive and lawful.
He concluded by wishing residents peace, renewed strength and prosperity in the New Year.
The statement was signed by the governor’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju.
