… As Logo Design Competition Winner Gets N1.5m Prize
Oyo state Governor, Engr. ‘Seyi Makinde has unveiled the Oyo @50 Logo and a 50-Day Countdown in commemoration of the Pacesetter state’s golden jubilee anniversary, stating that the state has witnessed remarkable growth in the last 50 years of its creation.
Speaking at the event held at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, Governor Makinde stressed the importance of celebrating the golden jubilee of the state’s creation, despite the current situation in the country.
The governor noted that the state has produced men and women of excellence, who have brought honour to the state and Nigeria at large, appreciating the developmental contributions of all and sundry over the past 50 years.
He maintained that his administration has done its best in the area of infrastructural development to ensure continuity of the pace setting status of the state.
Explaining how his administration’s short term and long term approaches to governance have helped in ensuring continuity in the development of the state, the governor said he has seen to the completion of uncompleted projects from previous administrations and ensured that viable dreams of past governments became a reality.
He mentioned the completion of the Saki Township Road, the construction of the Akobo Bridge and the resolution of the LAUTECH ownership crisis, among others, as some of his administration’s achievements since it’s inception in 2019.
He equally cited how his administration’s commitment to building the Ibadan Circular Road, named after the current Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Arusa 1, demonstrated how his government has turned the vision of past leaders to reality, declaring that the 32-kilometre first segment of the project will be commissioned to mark the Oyo @50 celebration.
He said: “Some people may ask, what is there to celebrate in Nigeria of today, with the hardship, with the poverty around, but in spite of all of these, Oyo State has been making progress.
“So, even if it is just those little wins, let us celebrate; let us roll out the drums for Oyo at 50, and let us look forward to another 50 years of development and growth in Oyo State.”
He added, “Since I came in 2019, government functions have been held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan or Professor Ogunlesi Hall, opposite UCH. But now, the banquet for Oyo State at 50 will be held at the new Banquet Hall we are building at the Government House.
“So, the unveiling of the Oyo State at 50 Logo and 50-Day Countdown are part of the activities to celebrate Oyo State at 50.
“There is a lesson for all of us. If we look at the next 50 years, it means we cannot afford to take short term approach to things. It has to be short, medium, and long-term approach.
“When we came in, we decided to take a medium to long-term approach to most of the things that we met on the ground. Some people came to me and told me that the projects of the previous administration I should not touch them but start mine afresh. But we didn’t listen to all that.
“Then, some people began to say we didn’t have projects; that we were only completing the projects of the past administrations.
“For emphasis, I can mention a few of those projects. The Akobo Bridge was not there. We did not only complete it but extended the road to Olorunda-Aba. It is the same if you go to the Saki Township Road, which used to be dusty. We completed it and after that, we did Saki-Ogbooro-Igboho road. Now, we are starting the Igboho-Kisi road.
“Also, the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Annex in Oyo, has been abandoned for over many years, now we are going to finish it. We already put some money in the 2026 budget for that.
“So, that is just a few of the things that we did to demonstrate continuity, and to equally validate the fact that Oyo State will continue to go from strength to strength.
“For the continuity of Oyo State’s development, however, I will make recommendations for the people of Oyo State on who should govern the state after us. I only have 17 months left on this seat to serve the people of Oyo State. But one assurance I can give is that Oyo State will not witness backwardness during my time and during the time of those we recommend.”
Earlier in his goodwill message, Oba Ladoja, who spoke through Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, expressed appreciation to God for witnessing the 50 years celebration of the state.
The monarch recalled that he was in office when the 30th anniversary of the state’s creation was celebrated.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the Oyo State @ 50 Anniversary Committee and former Member of the House of Representatives, Hon Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, said the event was purposely designed to celebrate the past, showcase the present achievements, recognise those who have contributed to the growth of the state and also, articulate the bold vision for the next 50 years.
He assured the people of the state of an inclusive anniversary celebration that will be reflective of cultural exhibition, intellectual engagement, community-based activities and youth-focused programmes, which will highlight unity in diversity, shared vision, collective aspirations and progress.
The former lawmaker called for cooperation and support to ensure peaceful, memorable and remarkable events across the state.
Meanwhile, the winner of the Oyo State at 50 Logo Design Competition, which was declared open a few weeks ago, Ajayi Olaleye Sunday, was rewarded with N1.5million at the event, which had in attendance a former governor and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja; Wife of Oyo State Governor, Engr. (Mrs) Tamunominini Makinde; Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal and his wife, Chief (Mrs) Ajibola Lawal; Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja; former deputy governor, Engr Hamid Gbadamosi.
Others include; Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Afolabi Ghandi Olaoye; representative of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, other leading traditional rulers among other eminent personalities across the state.