Oyo @ 50: Makinde Unveils Logo, Begins 50-Day Countdown to Golden Jubilee

…As Says state will not experience backwardness after his administration

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday unveiled the official Oyo @ 50 logo and commenced the 50-day countdown to the state’s golden jubilee anniversary, declaring that the state has many reasons to celebrate despite prevailing economic challenges in the country.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony held at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, Makinde said Oyo State has recorded remarkable progress in infrastructure, governance and human capital development in the 50 years since its creation.

According to the governor, the state has produced men and women of excellence and witnessed landmark developments that justify the celebration of its golden jubilee.

“As difficult as things may be in Nigeria today, Oyo State has continued to make progress. Even if it is just the little wins, we must celebrate and look forward to another 50 years of growth and development,” Makinde said.

The governor also rewarded the winner of the Oyo @ 50 Logo Design Competition, Mr. Ajayi Olaleye Sunday, with a cash prize of ₦1.5 million.

Makinde highlighted key achievements of his administration, noting that his government adopted a medium- and long-term development approach by completing abandoned projects and sustaining viable initiatives inherited from previous administrations.

Among the projects cited were the Saki Township Road, Akobo Bridge, extension of roads to Olorunda-Aba, resolution of the LAUTECH ownership crisis, and the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road, named after former governor and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.

He disclosed that the first 32 kilometres of the Circular Road would be commissioned as part of the Oyo @ 50 celebrations.

The governor also announced that the anniversary banquet would be held at the new Banquet Hall currently under construction at the Government House, marking a departure from previous venues.

Makinde assured residents that the state would not experience regression, adding that his administration would recommend a successor capable of sustaining development after his tenure.

Earlier, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, who spoke through Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, thanked God for witnessing the state’s 50th anniversary and recalled celebrating Oyo’s 30th anniversary during his tenure as governor.

Other goodwill messages were delivered by former Minister of Trade, Investment and Industry, Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande; the Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Olajide Titiloye; and Chief Bayo Oyero, who described Makinde as a reform-minded and inclusive leader under whose administration the state has witnessed significant development.

In his welcome address, Chairman of the Oyo State @ 50 Anniversary Committee, Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, said the anniversary would celebrate the past, showcase present achievements and articulate a bold vision for the next 50 years.

He assured residents of an inclusive celebration featuring cultural displays, intellectual engagements and youth-focused programmes.

The event was attended by top government officials, traditional rulers, former governors, lawmakers, judicial officers, labour leaders and other eminent personalities from across the state.