Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has been named Man of the Year by Independent Newspapers Limited in recognition of his contributions to governance, democracy, and infrastructure development.
The award was presented at a ceremony on Saturday night at the Expo Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Lagos, attended by First Lady Oluremi Tinubu, seven state governors, two serving ministers, lawmakers, and business leaders.
A statement on Sunday by Makinde’s Special Adviser on Media, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said the governor was represented at the event by his Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, who dedicated the award to the people of Oyo State.
“On behalf of His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde, I dedicate this award to the great people of Oyo State—the true architects of this success. As the Governor has always said, ‘Governance should be about the people, and we remain committed to policies that improve lives, promote inclusivity, and ensure sustainable development,” Ogunwuyi said.
“Thank you, the Independent Newspapers, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he added.
Makinde, a multiple award winner, was the Nigerian Tribune’s 2019 Governor of the Year, Silverbird’s 2022 Man of the Year, Vanguard’s 2022 Governor of the Year and Leadership’s 2023 Governor of the Year, among others.