Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, said his administration has institutionalized a merit-based system in the state, revealing that more institutions would be created before the end of his tenure to make Oyo State greater.
The governor stated this at a symposium organised as part of the activities marking the fiftieth anniversary of the state, held at the International Conference Center, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
The governor equally added that preparations were underway to put together another roadmap which would ensure the continued development of the state beyond 2027.
Governor Makinde said: “We’ve been talking about strong institutions. We don’t want strong individuals in our state, we want strong institutions. Yes, we want strong and committed leadership. But we also would like that leadership to be supported by strong institutions. And I always say that this administration will create institutions that will guarantee good governance in our state, well beyond the tenure of this administration.”
The governor, who reeled out some of the institutions created by his administration, noted that the essence of creating those agencies and institutions is to ensure unassailable development in the state.
Reiterating his commitment to the development of the state beyond his tenure, Makinde said, “Before we leave, we will prepare another roadmap. It is a Roadmap for Continued Development of Oyo State 2027 and Beyond. So, agenda 2040 and all of the things that will serve the people of Oyo State for the next 50 years, we’ll put it in there. And we’ll circulate it.”
He cautioned those eyeing his seat to resist the temptation of taking the people for granted “because Oyo State people don’t want the music of Omituntun to stop. That is the message I took home from the carnival we had yesterday. People trooped out and they were all like, look, we hope the music will continue.”
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, in his goodwill message, congratulated Governor Makinde and the good people of Oyo State on the golden jubilee celebration, lauding the state for its renown as a pacesetter.
He commended the people of Oyo State for their generosity and prayed for the state to continue to grow from strength to strength.
In his keynote address, the Executive Chairman, African Center for Shared Development Capacity Building, Prof. Olu Ajakaiye, speaking on the theme: “Celebrating the Legacy, Navigating the Present, and Reimagining the Future,” lauded Governor Makinde for reviving and modernizing the pace-setting development agenda of the defunct Western Region through effective planning, transparency and accountability.
He also lauded the Governor for integrating projects and programmes abandoned by the past administrations in his own programme, just as he praised him for introducing the State of the State Address, budget stakeholders’ engagement and for maintaining a skilled and motivated public service that ensured industrial harmony in the state.
He added that by consolidating the legacies of the past, navigating the present, and reimagining the future, with a clear vision, effective planning, and cooperation, Oyo State can become a model for development in Nigeria.
Prof Ajakaiye, therefore, called on Governor Makinde to give legal backing to all the institutions created by his administration. He also urged him to eliminate all forms of criminality and insecurity in the state.
Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman, Oyo State at 50 Anniversary Committee, Hon. Saheed Akinade -Fijabi, said the theme of the symposium is more relevant than ever in the current economic and political landscape, noting that the goal is to foster open discussion and share insights on key issues that could drive development in the state.
The event had in attendance a former governor of Oyo State and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Sen) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja; a former first lady of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja; Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr Bayo Lawal; Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare; former deputy governor, Engr Hamid Gbadamosi; Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; and the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima.
Others include the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon Kazeem Adeniyi; Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; Chairman and Co-Chairman, Oyo State Elders Council, Dr Saka Balogun and Elder Wole Oyelese; Chief Bayo Oyero; Oloye Akinade Fijabi; Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN); Commissioners; Permanent Secretaries; traditional rulers, religious leaders; service commanders; and Labour Union leaders, among others.
