Tag: Makinde

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reiterated his determination to serve the people of the state till his last day in office.

The governor stated this on Thursday at the unveiling of two books entitled “Giant Strides” and “Ibadan Hegemony,” and a Yoruba film “Agbeni” authored by the Balogun of Ibadanland, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, held at the Emeritus Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, University College Hospital, Ibadan.

He noted that the books and the film showcased the culture and history of Ibadanland, which are consistent with searching for knowledge on how a race can progress and enrich its people.

Governor Makinde commended the author of the books on his efforts and determination in publishing the books and producing the film, which, according to him, will be of immense benefit to generations yet to be born.

The governor said, “I promised the people of Oyo state that I will work for them till the last moment of the last day.

“I need to mention this, because when some issues crop up, we have to make certain decisions. On the Circular Road corridor issue, some people were encouraging me, and I know that as a leader, you have to take your people to where they ought to be, not where they want to be. You must be the compass.

“I was complaining to one of our Babas and expressing displeasure over what our people were doing. He told me that I should go back to history; that when Pa Awolowo introduced free education in 1954, as well as the tax to fund the education, he was blackmailed. Pa Awolowo even lost the 1954 federal elections as a result of that protest.

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“This is the exact thing happening on the issue of the Circular Road.

“But today, education has set the Yoruba race apart from other races in Nigeria. Baba advised me to do what I feel is right for the people of Oyo State and Ibadanland.”

While congratulating Oba Ajibola on the laudable achievements, the governor charged those who have stories that add to the knowledge “about our people, culture and race” to take a cue from Oba Ajibola by writing their stories.

“These books that we are launching are consistent with search for knowledge and how a race can progress. When you read the books, you go into history. When you are able to learn about history, you make fewer mistakes when facing the future. So, Baba, what you have done today is to ensure that generations yet unborn would benefit from this.

“So, I want to congratulate you, and congratulate Ibadanland for these efforts. I also want to use what Baba has done today to encourage some of us who have stories to tell for people to learn and enrich their knowledge base, not to shy away from doing so.

“If Baba can achieve this at his age, I believe anyone among us who has a genuine story to tell should be able to take such a bold move too.”

Governor Makinde, thereafter, launched the books and the film with a sum of N10 million, while he called on people to support the projects.

In his goodwill message, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, reminisced on his relationship with Oba Ajibola, which, he noted, started from childhood.

He said they had never had any disagreement.

The Olubadan commended Oba Ajibola’s tenacity and courage towards authoring the books and producing a film that would serve as a resource on the history and valued cultural heritage of Ibadanland and showcase it to coming generations.

He charged the people of the state to always contribute their quota to its development.

Speaking on his motivation for writing the books and producing the film, Oba Ajibola said his objectives were to contribute to the body of knowledge, educate society, and share his experiences about how the past can shape the future.

The event had in attendance the Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Mohammed Fadeyi; former Minister of Trade and Investment, Chief Mrs Onikepo Akande, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon Kazeem Adeniyi; Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon Sikiru Oyedele Sanda; Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, Alhaji Daud Makanjuola Akinola; President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Barr. Ajeniyi Ajewole; Engr. Dotun Sanusi and Oloye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke, among other dignitaries.

The Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, and the Secretary General of the Pan Africa Writers Association (PAWA), Wale Okediran, were among dignitaries expected at the 60th anniversary and 2025 conference of the Nigerian Publishers Association (NPA) in Ibadan.

The event, slated for Thursday 4th of December 2025, would have Governor Makinde as the special guest of honour, while Alausa would be the special guest.

Addressing journalists in Ibadan, the President/Chairman-in-Council

Nigerian Publishers Association, Alhaji Lukman Dauda said NPA, over the years, has been in the vanguard of advocating easy access to quality education through the provision of quality and affordable instructional materials either directly to final users or in collaboration with government supply initiatives.

He stated that the association has stood the test of time as a strong voice for its members, particularly where members’ interests stand the risk of being jeopardized.

He sought for collaboration of the government with the association towards the formulation of policies that enhanced education in Nigeria.

He said the conference, with the theme, “Publishing In Nigeria: 60 years of Impact, Innovation and Inclusion,” is in line with the diamond jubilee celebration of the association, which is aimed at capturing the metamorphosis of the book publishing industry then, now, and in the future.

“To do justice to this encapsulating theme is no other person than a renowned writer and author, the Secretary General of Pan African Writers Association (PAWA) with the headquarters in Accra, Ghana, Dr. Wale Okediran. 

“The anniversary celebration, which follows immediately, will also feature the launching of the Association’s ultra-modern office of N1B (one billion Naira).

“This is expected to be achieved through the support of member firms in the publishing industry and other players within and outside the book ecosystem. 

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“The event is going to be graced by dignitaries, including a renowned Accountant, a Fellow, and former Governing Council Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria, ICAN, and a former Senior Partner of Baker Tilly, an international firm of Chartered Accountants in Nigeria, Deacon Solomon Adeleke, FCA.  

“To further commemorate the occasion, selected individuals and partner firms, who have, over the years, contributed in no small measure to the sustenance and growth of the publishing industry and, by extension, the Association, will be given varying brands of awards in honour and recognition of their selfless contributions/services and partnership.”

• …says he would meet affected residents

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that development across the state remains fair, humane, and inclusive.

He announced that starting from Wednesday, he will meet with residents affected by the ongoing 110km Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road Project.

Makinde said the engagement aligns with his pledge to run a people-centred government, adding that he will visit the project site, listen to the concerns of affected residents, and consider all options, including proper compensation and resettlement where necessary.

The governor made these remarks while presenting the 2026 Budget Proposal to the House of Assembly.

He noted that he remains unfazed by the insults or death wishes directed at him, saying he had prepared for both praise and criticism as part of leadership.

Makinde clarified that his administration did not initiate any land acquisition for the project, explaining that he released documents showing that the previous government had acquired 500 metres on both sides of the road corridor and published the decision in a national newspaper in November 2018.

Justifying the importance of the Circular Road Project, the governor described it as a pathway to equity, growth, and shared prosperity in Oyo State. He cautioned politicians attempting to exploit the controversy for personal gain, saying residents of the state are now more discerning.

He said, “When I took up this job, I envisaged situations like this. You did not come to beg me to become the governor. I came out to say I wanted to do something good for Oyo State.

“We acknowledge that progress must be people-centered. And we remain committed to ensuring that development remains fair, humane, and inclusive.

“So, I will honour the promise that I made to visit, to listen, and to explore all possibilities, including resettlement, in addition to adequate compensation. I will start this week.

“On Wednesday, I will visit Ologuneru. But let me say this. The Circular Road is not just about connectivity; it is about equity, growth, and shared prosperity.

“I was forced to release from the archive a document that shows adverts in the Nigerian Tribune newspaper of November 24th, 2018, which showed that the state government at that time acquired 500 metres on the right and 500 metres on the left.

“On November 24th, 2018, was I the governor then? But we are engaging with our people. I promised a previous set of protesters when they came under the bridge that we would integrate them. But they also should know that, for me, in about 18 months, I will be out of here. I have started our preparation for the transition.

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“In 2027, other players will be here. If some people think they should attack Seyi Makinde and politicise this thing, maybe the people will vote for them. I can tell you that Oyo State people are wiser.

“The next set of leaders, I can only prop them up, expose them, encourage them; Oyo State people will be the ultimate deciders.”

Governor Makinde added that apart from his administration shifting the focus of governance towards institutional legacy, ensuring that governance is based on systems and not personalities by creating many institutions, it is also imperative to have the support of the people towards achieving greater economic expansion, which is one of the advantages that the Circular Road will bring to the state.

“Our focus has been to shift towards institutional legacies, ensuring that governance is system-based, not personality-based. In Oyo State, we don’t want strong men; we want strong institutions, and we have created some of those, including OYACA and the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority. So, we’ll continue to strengthen our civil service, digitise government processes, and entrench transparency as the standard for leadership.

“Our legacy will not be measured by buildings alone but by the values that sustain progress long after we have left the stage.

“They are talking about the Circular Road and all of that. We need industries. Our children are coming out of school; we need commercial solid minerals exploration in Oyo State. Yeah, people talk about governors or states now getting billions in federal allocation. Did the increase come from being productive? Well, Oyo State is moving from a consumptive economy now to a productive one.

“So, if we are here in front of you, saying, look, let us do this together. It is because we know Oyo State can stand on its own and be productive and true to our name as the pacesetter; we can set the pace for others.

“We have not failed you in over six years, and we will not fail you now. You have stood firm through difficult times. You have trusted the process and believed in the vision. You have demonstrated beyond what I can even fathom. We are not a government that repays good with bad. Together, we will continue to grow, innovate, and prosper,” he added.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde yesterday proposed N891.99 billion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year before the House of Assembly.

The figure was against the N684 billion approved by the lawmakers in the outgoing 2025 fiscal calendar.

The presentation was attended by prominent individuals and stakeholders, including foremost traditional rulers in the state, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, among others.

Makinde, presenting the Appropriation Bill tagged: “Budget of Economic Expansion”, said of the proposed figure, N389.34billion would be for recurrent expenditure and N502.65billion for capital expenditure.

According to the proposal, the total recurrent  expenditure of N389,338,596,667.94 comprises: Personnel (N156,385,612,074.34), Overhead (N122,212,984,593.60) and other recurrent – (N110,840,000,000.00).

In a sectoral breakdown, the Infrastructure sector takes the lead with N210.02billion, Education sector, N155.21billion, Health sector, N70,81billion, Agricultural sector, N19.99billion, while other multi-sectoral sectors are allocated N435.9billion.

While the Infrastructure (N210,025,443,802.16) represents 23.5 per cent of the total budget, Education (N155,209,617,317.20), is 17.4 per cent, Health (N70,849,163,558.07) is 7.9 per cent, Agriculture (N19,987,210,324.16) is 2.2 per cent, while others (multi-sectoral allocations) of (N435,913,639,479.19) represents 48.9 per cent of the total budget.

The governor highlighted several projects expected to drive the state’s economic transformation, including AfCFTA-focused initiatives, Oluyole Free Trade Zone, Special Agricultural Zones, dry and logistics ports, upgrading of Ladoke Akintola Airport and the expansive 110km Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road linking key commercial corridors.

He said Oyo State would celebrate its 50th anniversary in February 2026, with the theme: “Renewal: A celebration of where we have come from and where we are going,” adding that the state’s greatest resources remained its people and their creativity.

House of Assembly Speaker Adebo Ogundoyin described the 2026 budget proposal as ambitious, people-centred and strategically-aligned with the development priorities of the state.

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He noted that the budget was a product of wide stakeholder engagements across the seven geopolitical zones of the state, showing the administration’s commitment to inclusive and responsive governance.

He lauded the strong focus on infrastructure, education, health care and economic empowerment, describing them as pillars for sustainable growth and human capital development.

The Speaker assured the Executive of the Legislature’s continued cooperation and backing, to ensure timely passage and effective oversight.

He highlighted the 10th Assembly’s performance, noting that they had passed 32 impactful bills, received and deliberated on 110 committee reports and moved 125 motions.

Ogundoyin called on Governor Makinde to address the demands of the Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN), including the CONLESS review, remuneration for deputy clerks, full legislative autonomy and upgrade and renovation of the House of Assembly complex.

He reaffirmed the Legislature’s commitment to transparency, service delivery and ensuring every naira spent translates to meaningful development for the people of Oyo State.

Governor Seyi Makinde on Monday proposed a total of N891.99 billion Appropriation Bill for the 2026 fiscal year before the State House of Assembly.

The figure was against the N684 billion approved by the lawmakers in the outgoing 2025 fiscal calendar.

The presentation ceremony had in attendance prominent individuals and stakeholders, including foremost traditional rulers in the state: the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, among others.

Makinde, in his presentation of the Appropriation Bill christened “Budget of Economic Expansion,” said out of these proposed figures, N389.34bn would be for recurrent expenditure and N502.65bn for capital expenditure.

In a sectoral breakdown, the Infrastructure sector takes the lead with N210.02bn, the Education sector, N155.21bn, the Health sector, N70.81bn, the Agricultural sector, N19.99bn, while other multisectoral sectors are allocated N435.9bn.