As Engineer Seyi Makinde marks six years in office, his Special Assistant on Interfaith Affairs, Reverend Femi Ibikunle, has likened the Oyo State Governor to the Biblical Joseph.
He lauded the governor’s steady leadership, policy consistency, visionary governance, and commitment to the welfare of the people especially during challenging times.
According to a statement by the governor’s aide on Thursday, May 29, Rev. Ibikunle commended Governor Makinde for what he described as a divinely inspired leadership characterized by religious peace, unity, and resilience amidst economic and social hardships.
“Governor Makinde is to Oyo State what Joseph was to Egypt. It’s a different generation but this is the reason the very appreciative people of Oyo state nicknamed him ‘GSM’ meaning God’s sent man.
“Just like Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dreams and implemented a long-term plan to save the people from famine, our governor foresaw difficult times and laid down policies that have now become our saving grace.”
Since assuming office in 2019, Governor Makinde’s administration has been widely praised for its reforms in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and security.
Despite nationwide economic downturns, particularly resulting from fluctuating oil revenues, inflation, and subsidy removal, Oyo State has maintained a relative degree of financial stability and infrastructural progress.
Reverend Ibikunle in his statement highlighted the governor’s ability to unite the diverse religious communities including Christian, Muslim, and African Traditional worshippers across the state, which he said has reinforced his inclusive leadership style.
“He has carried Muslims, Christians, and traditional believers along without discrimination. Under his watch, we’ve had no major religious crisis. That alone is a testimony to the grace of God and the wisdom of a leader who listens,” he noted.
Furthermore, Rev. Ibikunle referenced the Biblical story of Joseph, who guided Egypt through seven years of famine after seven years of plenty. He drew parallels with how Governor Makinde prepared the state with strong fiscal policies, improved internally generated revenue (IGR), and prioritized investment in agriculture and youth empowerment, thereby cushioning the blow of national economic shocks.
“Oyo is not immune to the hardships affecting Nigeria, but what we see here is thoughtful, strategic, and carefully planned management system.
“Instead of panic, we’ve seen planning. Instead of fear, there is hope. That is the mark of a Joseph, Rev. Ibikunle stated.
Rev. Ibikunle, who has served in as the governor’s Special Assistant on Interfaith Matters since Makinde’s first term, emphasized that peace in Oyo State is not by accident.
He credited the administration’s intentional interfaith dialogue mechanisms and conflict resolution structures, and called on the government of Nigeria to emulate and adopt Makinde’s model of governance to end inter religious conflicts in the country.
“From Ibadan to Ogbomoso, Oke Ogun to Ibarapa, this government has prioritized listening to community and faith leaders. That’s why tensions have been defused before they escalated. Peace is the foundation upon which all development rests, and that is why this governor has continued to break boundaries and setting new records in good governance and economic development,” he stated.
As the Makinde’s administration enters its seventh year, Rev. Ibikunle urged citizens to continue praying for the governor and to support government efforts aimed at economic recovery and social development.
“Let us be grateful for uninterrupted peace and pray for more wisdom to navigate the storms ahead. With Governor Makinde at the helm, we have faith that Oyo will remain our guiding light for greater progress in Oyo state,” he concluded.