Oyo Governor, Engineer Oluseyi Makinde, has declared that his administration has firmly institutionalised a merit-based governance system, while also developing a clear roadmap to sustain the state’s development beyond 2027.
Governor Makinde made this known at the Lecture and Symposium organised as part of the Oyo State @ 50 anniversary celebrations, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.
The symposium, themed “Consolidating the Legacy, Navigating the Present, and Reimagining the Future,” brought together government officials, academics, policymakers and stakeholders to reflect on Oyo State’s journey over the past five decades and chart a sustainable path for the next fifty years anchored on resilience, inclusion and sustainability.
Speaking at the event, Makinde recalled how public trust shaped his decision to unveil a development roadmap shortly after assuming office in 2019, stressing that accountability remains central to his governance philosophy.
“When we came into office in 2019, we released a roadmap because we believed the people deserved to know where we were going and how we intended to get there. Today, I am proud to say that we have been held accountable to that roadmap,” the governor said.
He disclosed that the state has recorded significant progress in implementing the plan.
“Over 75 per cent of the targets we set for ourselves have been achieved. More importantly, we have institutionalised a merit-based system that will endure beyond individuals and political tenures,” Makinde added.
The governor further noted that work is ongoing on a long-term development framework to guide Oyo State’s growth beyond the lifespan of his administration.
In his goodwill message, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, congratulated Governor Makinde and the people of Oyo State on the Golden Jubilee, commending the state for using the anniversary to reflect on governance, development and nation-building.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled “Consolidating Past Legacies, Managing the Present, and Envisioning the Future,” Professor Olu Ajakaiye lauded the Makinde administration for restoring a culture of planning and continuity in governance.
“Governor Makinde came into office with a clear development roadmap inspired by the historic programmes of the old Western Region. That vision has now evolved into a sustainable development plan with measurable outcomes,” Ajakaiye said.
He also praised the administration for avoiding project abandonment and strengthening public service delivery across the state.
A panel discussion moderated by the Vice-Chancellor of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education featured Professor Adewale Yagboyaju, Professor Kassy Garba, Dr. Durodola Ogunsesan and Professor Musibau Babatunde. The panelists agreed that while the last 50 years of Oyo State were largely about survival and consolidation, the future must be intentionally planned.
“The next phase of Oyo State’s development cannot be left to chance; it must be deliberately designed, structured and sustained,” one of the panelists remarked.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Chairman of the Oyo State @ 50 Anniversary Committee and two-term member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, described the symposium’s theme as timely given Nigeria’s current economic and political realities.
“Our objective is to foster open, honest conversations and share insights that will lead to practical solutions, not just for Oyo State but for the nation as a whole,” Akinade-Fijabi said.
The event also featured a fashion and runway showcase that creatively depicted the evolution of governance in Oyo State, from the pre-colonial era through successive administrations to the present government, drawing applause from attendees.