The Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde has unveiled the Oyo State at 50 Logo and the 50-Day Countdown to the golden jubilee anniversary of the state’s creation.
The governor stated that the Pacesetter State has witnessed remarkable progress, development and growth in the last 50 years of its creation.
The winner of the Oyo State at 50 Logo Design Competition, which was declared open a few weeks ago, Mr Ajayi Olaleye Sunday, was rewarded with N1.5million at the event.
Governor Makinde said that there are many reasons to celebrate the golden jubilee of the state’s creation despite the current situation in the country.
He noted that the state has witnessed many landmark developments and produced men and women of excellence, who have brought glory to the state and Nigeria. He expressed his appreciation to everyone who has made one contribution or the other to the development of Oyo State over the past 50 years.
Highlighting the contributions of his administration, the governor noted that his government has done its best to ensure continuity in the development of Oyo State, citing several infrastructure development projects.
Explaining how his administration’s short term and long term approaches to governance have helped in ensuring continuity in the development of the state, Makinde said he has seen to the completion of uncompleted projects from previous administrations and ensured that viable dreams of past governments became a reality once they were about the development of the state.
He mentioned how his government ensured the completion of the Saki Township Road, the construction of the Akobo Bridge and the resolution of LAUTECH ownership crisis, among others.
The governor equally cited how his administration’s commitment to building the Ibadan Circular Road, named after Oba Rashidi Ladoja, demonstrated how his government has turned the vision of past leaders to reality, declaring that the 32-kilometre first segment of the project will be commissioned to mark the Oyo @ 50 celebration.
“Some people may ask, what is there to celebrate in Nigeria of today, with the hardship, with the poverty around, but in spite of all of these, Oyo State has been making progress.
“So, even if it is just those little wins, let us celebrate; let us roll out the drums for Oyo at 50, and let us look forward to another 50 years of development and growth in Oyo State.
“Since I came in 2019, government functions have been held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan or Professor Ogunlesi Hall, opposite UCH. But now, the banquet for Oyo State at 50 will be held at the new Banquet Hall we are building at the Government House.
“So, the unveiling of the Oyo State at 50 Logo and 50-Day Countdown are part of the activities to celebrate Oyo State at 50.
“For the continuity of Oyo State’s development, however, I will make recommendation for the people of Oyo State on who should govern the state after us. I only have 17 months left on this seat to serve the people of Oyo State. But one assurance I can give is that Oyo State will not witness backwardness during my time and during the time of those we recommend.”
Earlier in his goodwill message, former governor of Oyo State and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, who spoke through Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, expressed his appreciation to God for witnessing the 50 years celebration of the state.
He recalled that he was in office when the 30th anniversary of the state’s creation was celebrated.
Giving his welcome address, the Chairman of the Oyo State @ 50 Anniversary Committee and former Member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, said the purpose of the event is to celebrate the past, showcase the present achievements, recognise those who contributed to the growth of the state and also, articulate the bold vision for the next 50 years.
He assured the people of the state of an inclusive anniversary celebration that will be reflective of cultural exhibition, intellectual engagement, community-based activities and youth-focused programmes and will highlight unity in diversity, shared vision, collective aspirations and progress.
Fijabi called for cooperation and support to ensure peaceful, memorable and remarkable events across the state.
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