Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has unveiled the official Oyo State @50 logo alongside the commencement of a 50-day countdown to the golden jubilee anniversary of the state’s creation, declaring that the Pacesetter State has recorded remarkable progress, development, and growth over the past five decades.
The unveiling ceremony, which took place at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, attracted an array of dignitaries, including former governor of Oyo State and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Senator Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja; former Deputy Governor, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye, and a representative of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, alongside other eminent citizens and traditional rulers from across the state.
At the event, the winner of the Oyo State @50 Logo Design Competition, Mr. Ajayi Olaleye Sunday, was presented with a cash prize of N1.5 million in recognition of his creative contribution to the anniversary celebration.
In his address, Governor Makinde said the golden jubilee celebration was well deserved, noting that despite the current socio-economic challenges facing the country, Oyo State has continued to make steady progress.
According to him, the state has produced men and women of excellence who have brought honour not only to Oyo State but to Nigeria as a whole, appreciating all individuals and administrations that have contributed to the development of the state in the last 50 years.
The governor highlighted key achievements of his administration, stressing that his government deliberately adopted short, medium, and long-term approaches to governance to ensure continuity and sustainable development.
He explained that rather than abandoning projects initiated by previous administrations, his government chose to complete viable ones in the interest of the people, a move he said has helped to translate long-held visions into reality.
Among the landmark projects cited by the governor were the completion of the Saki Township Road, construction of the Akobo Bridge, and extension of the road to Olorunda-Aba, resolution of the long-standing Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) ownership crisis, and the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road project named after Oba Rashidi Ladoja.
Governor Makinde disclosed that the first 32-kilometre segment of the Ibadan Circular Road will be commissioned as part of activities marking the Oyo @50 celebration.
“Some people may ask what there is to celebrate in Nigeria today, with the hardship and poverty around. But in spite of all these, Oyo State has been making progress. Even if it is just the little wins, let us celebrate and look forward to another 50 years of growth and development,” he said.
He also announced that the anniversary banquet would be held at the new Banquet Hall currently under construction at the Government House, noting that the unveiling of the logo and the 50-day countdown marked the official commencement of activities for the jubilee celebration.
Reflecting on governance continuity, the governor reaffirmed his belief in completing abandoned projects and sustaining development across administrations, adding that funds have been earmarked in the 2026 budget for the completion of the long-abandoned LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Annex in Oyo.
Governor Makinde, who disclosed that he has about 17 months left in office, assured residents that Oyo State would not experience any form of backwardness during his tenure and beyond, adding that he would make recommendations to ensure continuity of progress after his administration.
Earlier, in his goodwill message delivered through Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, thanked God for sparing his life to witness the 50th anniversary of the state, recalling that he was in office when the 30th anniversary was celebrated.
In separate remarks, former Minister of Trade, Investment and Industry, Chief Mrs. Onikepo Akande, OON; the Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Olajide Titiloye; and Chief Bayo Oyero described Governor Makinde as a reform-driven leader whose administration has delivered inclusive governance and impactful development irrespective of political, religious, or ethnic affiliations.
Chairman of the Oyo State @50 Anniversary Committee and former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, said the celebration was designed to honour the past, showcase present achievements, recognise contributors to the state’s growth, and articulate a bold vision for the next 50 years.
He assured residents of an inclusive and people-oriented celebration featuring cultural exhibitions, intellectual engagements, community-based activities, and youth-focused programmes, while calling for cooperation to ensure a peaceful and memorable anniversary.
The governor’s wife, Engr, attended the event. (Mrs.) Tamunominini Makinde, Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal and his wife, Chief (Mrs.) Ajibola Lawal, Speaker of the 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 of the Oyo State Customary Court of Appeal, Hon. Justice T. M. Abdulganiyu.
Also present were top government functionaries, lawmakers, traditional rulers, religious leaders, labour union leaders, and other stakeholders from across the state, underscoring the significance of the Oyo State @50 milestone.
(Ibadancity Announcer)
