Oyo at 50: Makinde Says ‘Governments Come and Go, but the State Endures’ as Airport, Circular Road, Surveillance Aircraft, Electric Buses Take Centre Stage
…unveils airport, circular road, surveillance aircraft and electric buses
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that the state’s 50th anniversary is not a celebration of any individual, administration or political party, but a solemn tribute to the resilience of Oyo State and the collective sacrifices of generations that have driven its growth since its creation in 1976.
The governor spoke at the grand finale of the 10-day activities marking the Oyo at 50 celebrations, describing the golden jubilee as both a landmark moment and a launchpad for a new chapter in the state’s history, while stressing that Oyo’s journey of development was far from complete.
“As we draw the curtain on this phase of activities marking the 10-day celebration of Oyo State at 50, I am reminded of a simple but enduring truth: governments come and go, administrations begin and end, but the state remains,” Makinde said.
He acknowledged the presence of party leaders, fellow governors, eminent personalities, traditional rulers and other distinguished guests, thanking them for being part of what he described as a defining and historic moment in the life of the state.
According to Makinde, the anniversary was deliberately designed to emphasise continuity and shared responsibility, rather than personal or partisan accomplishments.
“What we are celebrating tonight is not the achievement of one government. It is not the achievement of one political party, nor is it a celebration of a single moment in time,” he stated.
“Rather, we are celebrating a living state, one shaped by many hands, strengthened by many sacrifices, and propelled forward by generations of people who believed that Oyo State could always be better than it was yesterday,” the governor added.
Tracing the evolution of the state, Makinde recalled its creation in 1976 and paid tribute to the pioneering military administrators, including General David Jemibewon, as well as successive civilian and military governments that had governed the state over the decades.
He noted that each administration, regardless of political or ideological differences, contributed meaningfully to institution-building and the advancement of public service, education and social development across the state.
“From its creation in 1976, beginning with the early military administrations led by pioneers such as General David Jemibewon, each government has contributed its quota,” Makinde said.
“Successive administrations, military and civilian alike, laid foundations, built institutions, and advanced public service, education and social development. What we see today is the result of collective effort across generations,” he added.
Offering a personal reflection, the governor described himself as a direct beneficiary of Oyo State’s historic free education policy, noting that public policy, when properly designed, could shape destinies and transform lives.
“I attended secondary school between 1980 and 1985, and the foundation laid during that period shaped who I later became. I am a product of free education in Oyo State. Many of us never imagined how far we would go, but today we stand as living testimonies to the power of opportunity,” he said.
Makinde recalled that following Nigeria’s return to democratic rule in 1999, successive administrations in the state focused on rebuilding democratic institutions, strengthening governance frameworks and responding more directly to the aspirations of the people.
He said key areas such as infrastructure renewal, security reforms, urban development and economic reorganisation gradually became central to governance priorities in Oyo State.
The governor also acknowledged that the state had experienced periods of tension, transition and institutional stress, but noted that each challenge ultimately strengthened its resolve and capacity for progress.
“Let us also remember that Oyo State has passed through moments of tension, transition and institutional testing. Each time, we emerged stronger, wiser and more committed to stability and progress,” Makinde said.
Speaking on the direction of his administration, Makinde said the current government was deliberately building on past legacies through long-term, system-driven infrastructure projects, with a strong focus on transportation, security and economic development.
“Today, we are building on that legacy by delivering long-term, system-driven infrastructure, transport reforms and economic projects that will be commissioned throughout this anniversary year,” he stated.
Rejecting the notion that 50 years signified the peak of the state’s journey, the governor described the anniversary as a renewed commitment to the future and a promise to generations yet unborn.
“Some may think that 50 years marks the end of a journey. I disagree. This is only the beginning. This anniversary is not about personal achievements; it is a renewed promise to future generations,” Makinde declared.
He announced that the upgraded international airport would be formally commissioned in the coming months, describing it as a strategic asset that would position Oyo State as a major gateway for trade, investment and global connectivity.
“In the coming months, we will formally commission the upgraded international airport, providing Oyo State with a critical gateway to the world,” the governor said.
Makinde also disclosed that key sections of the Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road would be completed and commissioned within the anniversary year, with a firm timeline already set for the first phase of the project.
“We will continue work on, and commission key sections of, the Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road, an infrastructure project that will transform mobility, logistics and economic growth across Ibadan and beyond. Indeed, the first segment of this road will be commissioned before the end of March 2026,” he said.
On security, the governor revealed progress on the acquisition of a surveillance aircraft aimed at strengthening intelligence gathering and security monitoring across the state.
“In discussions with the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, we reviewed the progress of the surveillance aircraft procured to enhance security,” Makinde said.
“As we speak, the aircraft has arrived in Lagos and will soon be delivered. This will significantly strengthen surveillance across border communities and deep within our state,” he added.
The governor further announced that modern electric buses would be deployed later in the year as part of the administration’s broader strategy to modernise public transportation and improve mobility for residents.
“Additionally, modern electric buses will be delivered later in the year as part of our commitment to expanding transport infrastructure and ensuring that public transportation remains efficient and affordable for our people,” he said.
Makinde stressed that governance must be anchored on sustainable systems rather than short-term showmanship, noting that enduring development is achieved through thoughtful planning and people-centred policies.
“We have many projects in the pipeline because development is not a spectacle; it is a system. And systems endure when they are designed for the people, not for optics or politics,” he said.
Addressing award recipients and young people at the event, the governor emphasised that genuine service to the state would outlive political office and transient recognition.
“To the award recipients and to the younger generation watching, the lesson is simple: when you do good for Oyo State, you will be remembered. I have done my best for this state, and I am confident that future generations will remember that someone once stood here and chose to serve,” he said.
Makinde concluded by thanking past and present leaders and the people of Oyo State, whom he described as the enduring force behind the state’s history and progress.
“I say thank you to all who led before us, to those serving today, and to the people of Oyo State who remain the constant force in our shared journey. May Oyo State continue to rise. May our unity remain our strength. And may the next 50 years be even greater than the first,” the governor said.
Ends