By Adeola Badru
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said the state’s 50th anniversary was not a celebration of any individual, government or political party, but a tribute to the endurance of the state and the collective sacrifices of generations that have shaped its progress since 1976.
Speaking at the grand finale of the 10-day Oyo at 50 celebrations, the governor said the milestone marked a turning point and the start of a new chapter, insisting that the state’s journey was far from over.
“As we draw the curtain on this phase of activities marking the 10-day celebration of Oyo State at 50, I am reminded of a simple but enduring truth: governments come and go, administrations begin and end, but the state remains,” Makinde said.
He acknowledged party leaders, fellow governors, dignitaries and guests at the event, thanking them for sharing what he described as a historic moment in the life of the state.
According to the governor, the anniversary was not about personal or partisan achievements, but about continuity and shared responsibility.
“What we are celebrating tonight is not the achievement of one government. It is not the achievement of one political party, nor is it a celebration of a single moment in time.”
“Rather, we are celebrating a living state, one shaped by many hands, strengthened by many sacrifices, and propelled forward by generations of people who believed that Oyo State could always be better than it was yesterday,” he said.
Makinde traced the state’s development to its creation in 1976, paying tribute to early military administrators, including General David Jemibewon, and successive civilian and military governments.
He said each administration contributed to building institutions and advancing public service, education and social development.
“From its creation in 1976, beginning with the early military administrations led by pioneers such as General David Jemibewon, each government has contributed its quota.”
“Successive administrations, military and civilian alike, laid foundations, built institutions, and advanced public service, education and social development. What we see today is the result of collective effort across generations,” Makinde said.
The governor offered a personal reflection on the impact of state policy, describing himself as a beneficiary of Oyo State’s free education programme.
“I attended secondary school between 1980 and 1985, and the foundation laid during that period shaped who I later became. I am a product of free education in Oyo State. Many of us never imagined how far we would go, but today we stand as living testimonies to the power of opportunity.”
Makinde noted that after the return to democratic rule in 1999, successive governments focused on rebuilding democratic institutions, strengthening governance and responding more directly to the needs of the people.
He said infrastructure renewal, security reforms, urban development and economic reorganisation became central priorities.
The governor recalled that the state had passed through periods of tension and institutional testing but emerged stronger each time.
“Let us also remember that Oyo State has passed through moments of tension, transition and institutional testing. Each time, we emerged stronger, wiser and more committed to stability and progress,” he said.
The governor said the present administration was building on that legacy through long-term, system-driven infrastructure projects, particularly in transport and economic development.
“Today, we are building on that legacy by delivering long-term, system-driven infrastructure, transport reforms and economic projects that will be commissioned throughout this anniversary year,” he said.
Rejecting the notion that 50 years marked the end of the state’s journey, Makinde declared the anniversary a renewed commitment to the future.
“Some may think that 50 years marks the end of a journey. I disagree. This is only the beginning. This anniversary is not about personal achievements; it is a renewed promise to future generations.”
He announced that the upgraded international airport would be formally commissioned in the coming months, describing it as a major gateway for the state.
“In the coming months, we will formally commission the upgraded international airport, providing Oyo State with a critical gateway to the world.”
Makinde also said key sections of the Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road would be delivered within the anniversary year, with a clear timeline for the first phase.
“We will also continue work on, and commission key sections of, the Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road, an infrastructure project that will transform mobility, logistics and economic growth across Ibadan and beyond. Indeed, the first segment of this road will be commissioned before the end of March 2026.”
On security, the governor disclosed progress on the acquisition of a surveillance aircraft to enhance monitoring across the state.
“In discussions with the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, we reviewed the progress of the surveillance aircraft procured to enhance security.”
“As we speak, the vessel has arrived in Lagos and will soon be delivered. This will significantly strengthen surveillance across border communities and deep within our state.”
He further announced the deployment of modern electric buses later in the year as part of efforts to improve public transport.
“Additionally, modern electric buses will be delivered later in the year as part of our commitment to expanding transport infrastructure and ensuring that public transportation remains efficient and affordable for our people,” he said.
Makinde emphasised that governance must be anchored on sustainable systems rather than short-term display, adding that: We have many projects in the pipeline because development is not a spectacle, it is a system. And systems endure when they are designed for the people, not for optics or politics.”
Addressing award recipients and young people at the event, the governor said service to the state would outlive political office.
“To the award recipients and to the younger generation watching, the lesson is simple: when you do good for Oyo State, you will be remembered. I have done my best for this state, and I am confident that future generations will remember that someone once stood here and chose to serve.”
He thanked the past and present leaders and the people of the state, whom he described as the constant force in Oyo’s history.
“I say thank you to all who led before us, to those serving today, and to the people of Oyo State who remain the constant force in our shared journey. May Oyo State continue to rise. May our unity remain our strength. And may the next 50 years be even greater than the first,” Makinde said.
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