…as Makinde unveils official logo as Oyo begins countdown to 50th anniversary celebration
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that he remains ready to absorb the political backlash that comes with major infrastructural investments, insisting that the long-term benefits will ultimately ease the burden for whoever succeeds him in office.
Makinde made this known in Ibadan on Monday during the official unveiling of the logo for Oyo State’s 50th anniversary celebration. The event officially commenced countdown to the state’s golden jubilee since creation in 1976.
Responding to criticisms trailing some of his administration’s infrastructural projects including the Ibadan Circular Road named after Oba Rashidi Ladoja, the governor said leadership often requires taking difficult decisions that may not immediately attract public applause, but are necessary for sustainable development.
According to him, he is prepared to “take more bullets” now, so that the next administration can inherit a stronger, better-structured state with fewer foundational challenges to contend with.
The governor, who took time to recount the sector by sector achievements of his administration, said Oyo State has every reason to celebrate as it approaches 50 years of existence.
“Today is not just another day on the calendar. It is a symbolic milestone, in 50 days, our dear state will mark 50 years of existence, resilience, heritage, progress and promise.”
He described Oyo State as a pillar of excellence within Nigeria, citing its cultural legacy and its contributions to education, governance, commerce and national development.
As the countdown to the golden jubilee continues, Makinde assured residents that the anniversary celebration would be inclusive, reflective and forward-looking.
The governor disclosed that the celebration would feature cultural exhibitions, intellectual engagements, community-based activities, youth-focused programmes and other commemorative events targeted at reinforcing unity and shared aspirations across the state.
Makinde called on residents, particularly indigenes of the state, to take ownership of the celebration, describing it as a shared story and collective legacy.
He appealed for patience and cooperation as preparations intensify, while also urging citizens to maintain peace and order throughout the celebratory period.
A major highlight of the event was the unveiling of the official logo for the 50th anniversary celebration. Makinde explained that the logo emerged from an open and inclusive process, where members of the public were invited to submit creative entries.
He said the winning design was selected based on its ability to reflect the identity, values and pace-setting history of Oyo State. The designer of the selected logo, Mr Ajayi Olaleye, was presented a prize sum of one million, five hundred thousand naira.
Chairman of the anniversary planning committee, Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fideli, commended the governor for assembling a diverse and purposeful team to drive the celebration.
He revealed that research conducted by the committee showed that about 80 percent of residents are looking forward to the golden jubilee.
Akande described Makinde as a leader who listens to criticism and improves on his performance, adding that the governor’s style of governance has earned him support across political divides.
Goodwill messages were delivered by prominent Nigerians, including former Minister of Industry, Chief Mrs. Onikepo Akande, and Chief Bayo Oyero, who all lauded Makinde for engineering what they described as the modern Oyo state.
Present at the event are the deputy governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, Speaker of Oyo state Assembly, Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin represented by the deputy speaker, Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi,members of the state Executive Council, and other top government officials.
Royal fathers in attendance included the Alaafin of Oyo represented by High Chief Asimiyu Atanda, Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Laoye, the Okere of Saki and the Onpetu of Ijeru, among others.