Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State says his administration is committed to a future built on strong institutions, sustainable growth, empowered young people, inclusive development, and lasting stability as the state marks its golden jubilee anniversary.

Mr Makinde, who made the pledge on Monday in Ibadan at the opening of the state’s golden jubilee anniversary, said the 50 years had been marked by resilience, sacrifice, and progress.

The governor said, as a citizen, the state had shaped his life for five decades.

“From childhood to public service, the journey of our state has shaped my values, my sense of beauty, and my belief in what this state can become,” he said.

He asserted that the golden jubilee was more than a milestone; “it is a moment of reflection, responsibility, and renewal.

“From strengthening our economy to expanding infrastructure, from improving education and healthcare to restoring peaceful discipline and public trust.

“Oyo State has moved from promises to performance and from potential to measurable progress”.

The governor, thereafter, on behalf of the people of the state, made collective commitments to the future, which the people affirmed.

The commitments are: building a stronger and more competitive economy that creates jobs, attracts investment, and expands opportunity; infrastructure that drives development, education that prepares children for the future,

He added that he would build institutions that endure beyond any administration.

Others are: commitment to peace, security, good governance, fiscal responsibility, and a state that remains safe, stable, and open for business;

The governor reaffirmed commitment to ensuring that the next 50 years deliver greater prosperity, fairness, dignity, and hope for every citizen of Oyo State.

Mr Makinde thanked the state’s security agencies for their sacrifices, dedication, and commitment to keeping the state safe and secure.

In his welcome address, the Oyo@50 committee chairman, Saheed Fijabi, said the state journeyed through people, leadership, and progress over 50 years, remaining a cornerstone of national growth.

Mr Fijabi added that the 50th anniversary celebration provided an opportunity to honour heroes from within and outside the state for their contributions to the state’s and the nation’s development.

In his goodwill message, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, reflected on the journey of the state, saying sacrifices paved the way for today’s progress.

Mr Ladoja credited not just politicians, but also past traditional rulers such as the past Ooni of Ife, the past Alaafin of Oyo, and the past Soun of Ogbomosho: Oba Olubuse Sijuade, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, and Oba Oyewumi Ajagungbade, respectively, for reshaping the state.

According to him, the state is not where it ought to be, but the people need to keep pushing for a better state.

He reminded the people of Oyo that “the journey of a thousand miles starts with a step”.

Oyo State, created by the military government on February 3, 1976, has had 17 governors, both military and civilian, before Mr Makinde, who is the 18th. 

(NAN)