Governor ‘Seyi Makinde on Monday used the unveiling of the Oyo State @ 50 logo to highlight his administration’s emphasis on continuity in governance, infrastructure delivery and long-term planning, as the state begins a 50-day countdown to its golden jubilee anniversary.
Speaking at the ceremony held at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, Makinde said the milestone provided an opportunity not only to celebrate Oyo State’s past achievements but also to reflect on the importance of sustaining development beyond political tenures.
While acknowledging the prevailing economic challenges in the country, the governor maintained that Oyo State has recorded steady progress over the years, producing notable personalities and executing projects that have strengthened its development trajectory.
Makinde said his administration deliberately adopted medium- and long-term approaches to governance, insisting that development must transcend administrations. He explained that rather than abandoning inherited projects, his government chose to complete and expand them where they aligned with the state’s development goals.
Among projects cited by the governor were the Saki Township Road, Akobo Bridge with its extension to Olorunda-Aba, the resolution of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) ownership crisis, and the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road project named after the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja. He disclosed that the first 32 kilometres of the circular road would be commissioned as part of activities marking the Oyo @ 50 celebration.
The governor also revealed that the anniversary banquet would be hosted at the new Banquet Hall under construction at the Government House, a departure from past events held outside the Government House complex.
In a notable political undertone, Makinde hinted at succession planning, stating that although he has about 17 months left in office, he would make recommendations on who should govern the state next to ensure continuity. He assured residents that Oyo State would not experience regression during the remainder of his tenure or thereafter.
Earlier, former governor of the state and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, through Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, expressed gratitude to God for the state attaining 50 years, recalling that he was governor during the 30th anniversary celebration.
Chairman of the Oyo State @ 50 Anniversary Committee, Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, said the anniversary programme would celebrate the past, showcase present achievements and articulate a bold vision for the next 50 years. He assured residents of inclusive activities featuring cultural exhibitions, intellectual engagements, community-based programmes and youth-focused events.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of a N1.5 million cash prize to Mr Ajayi Olaleye Sunday, winner of the Oyo State @ 50 Logo Design Competition.
The ceremony attracted a wide array of dignitaries, including traditional rulers, former governors and deputies, lawmakers, judicial officers, top government functionaries, community leaders, labour representatives and civil society stakeholders, underscoring the broad-based significance of the golden jubilee celebration.
