Tag: Seyi Makinde

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state on Thursday, officially commissioned the newly-built tourism park named after a late former governor of the state, Dr. Victor Omololu Olunloyo.

The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, while speaking at the park on Airport Road, Alakia, Ibadan, said the new leisure park would serve the dual purpose of leisure and preserving the rich cultural heritage of the state.

Governor Makinde stated that the facilities and artifacts at the relaxation park would help both the residents and visitors to the state to learn more about the peculiarity of the state and each of the geo-political zones of the state.

He noted that the new relaxation park, which sprang out of an abandoned site, was built to immortalise Dr Olunloyo, who he described as a brainy and outstanding personality, for his contributions to the state and Nigeria as a whole.

He said, “We are thankful for the commissioning of this park. Baba was a unique and outstanding being right from his childhood. He became a commissioner in his 20s and he was always successful in his endeavours. Baba was very brainy and talented; we thank God for the life he led.

“Today, our government is celebrating Baba because of the successes he recorded in his lifetime. We recognised that he should be immortalised and we started doing that even in his lifetime, as we commissioned the over three kilometres dual carriageway that connects the town with the Airport, with Baba Olunloyo in attendance back then.

“This point we stand today used to be full of shanties, but the Oyo State Government thought it wise to bring sanity to this place and use the space to immortalise a popular statesman like Baba. 

“This park is unique in many respects. We have some cherished artifacts here that symbolise our culture and tradition in Oyo State — from Ibarapa to Oke Ogun to Ogbomosho and Ibadan.

“All these will make us to always put our culture into cognizance and that is why we must appreciate the efforts of our governor towards this project.”

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The governor urged the prospective users of the relaxation park to ensure its maintenance and use it strictly for the purposes it is meant for, saying, “I want to urge everyone to make sure we use this facility neatly, because we have our international airport, which is 2km away from here, and a lot of investors and foreign visitors will be coming around here often.

“Let them enjoy the ambience and serenity of our state.”

Earlier, the Commissioner for Public Works, Infrastructure and Transport, Hon. Abulmojeed Mogbonjubola, said the park is another major milestone in Governor Makinde’s efforts to redefine Ibadan’s skyline and add beauty to the fast-developing metropolis.

He said that the project was designed to serve as a centre for leisure, history and culture, stating that it would add to the overall beauty of Ibadan and become another testament to the governor’s commitment to urban and physical development.

The event had in attendance the Deputy Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Mohammed Fadeyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, Commissioners; the Alaafin of Oyo Oba Akeem Owoade; co-chairman, Oyo State Elders’ Council, Chief Wole Oyelese; and former President-General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Bayo Oyero.

Others were Oloye Lekan Alabi; President-General, CCII, Barr Ajeniyi Ajewole; Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon Sikiru Sanda; Service Commanders; traditional rulers; and religious leaders, among others.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has challenged the management of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University (Tech-U), Ibadan, to fully harness its strategic location within an emerging industrial corridor along the Ibadan end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

The governor said the institution’s location offers significant opportunities for strong industry–academia collaboration, especially with ongoing development along the Ibadan Circular Road, stressing the need for partnerships that will deliver research-based solutions for Oyo State and the country.

Makinde gave the charge at the weekend while delivering his remarks as Visitor to the institution during its 5th convocation ceremony held at the University Library Hall.

According to The Nation, a total of 183 students graduated at the ceremony, with 50 earning First Class Honours across various departments.

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Represented by his deputy, Bayo Lawal, the governor described Tech-U, designed to “develop the brain and train the hands,” as uniquely positioned to drive skills development, technology transfer and innovation in the state.

He said universities across the world are recognised as centres of knowledge, innovation and societal progress, adding that Tech-U has the capacity to lead problem-solving research, entrepreneurship and industrial development.

Makinde noted that his administration has prioritised higher education in its development blueprint, citing steady funding of state-owned institutions, expansion of physical infrastructure and strengthening of academic programmes.

He added that institutions such as Emmanuel Alayande University of Education and The Polytechnic, Ibadan, have benefited from major facility upgrades, alongside government support for research and innovation through grants and partnerships.

The governor further said his administration has focused on technology, skills and workforce development by expanding digital literacy through ICT centres and teacher training programmes.

He explained that technical and vocational institutions have been revitalised to provide middle-level manpower, while initiatives such as the Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Programme have created a pipeline of skilled graduates for agritech and agro-processing industries.

Speaking on the specific support to Abiola Ajimobi Technical University (Tech-U), the governor said the government is sustaining the ALGON Scholarship Programme, allocating a primary health center to serve the university community, and enhancing campus security. 

He added that the inclusion of Tech-U in the 2026 State Budget for subvention marks a new phase in the government’s support strategy, with plans for more targeted investments to strengthen the university and ensure a sustainable future.

Congratulating the graduands, he urged them to “Be curious; courageous, law abiding, embrace challenges; pursue excellence relentlessly; and above all, use your knowledge and good character to impact the world positively. Oyo State and Nigeria look forward to your contributions as innovators, builders, creators, and leaders of tomorrow.”

Speaking earlier, the Chancellor, Dr. Tunde Afolabi, expressed gratitude to the Visitor for his unwavering support to the university. He acknowledged the government’s reforms in education and strategic interventions in the university, including strengthened security, infrastructure development, and anticipated integration into the 2026 State Budget for subvention. 

The Chancellor thanked the Governing Council, ALGON, host communities, and donors for their contributions to the university’s growth.

He congratulated the 183 graduands, noting that they have earned degrees in their respective fields, as well as diplomas in French and entrepreneurship, equipping them to be versatile and globally prepared. He advised the graduands to remember that the world rewards competence, creativity, and character, and urged them to carry the university’s name with dignity, solve problems, and create value. 

Also in his remarks, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan expressed the university’s readiness to partner with the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja in driving industrialization, investment, and growth in Ibadanland. 

He highlighted the Governing Council’s achievements since April 2025, including successful convocation ceremonies, accreditation of programs, and expansion of academic offerings. He commended the Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, and Management team for their leadership and commitment to excellence. 

To the graduands, he advised them to stay focused, keep learning, and solve problems, noting that the world awaits their ideas, courage, and excellence. 

Earlier, the Vice-Chancellor of the institution, Professor Adesola Ajayi advised the graduands to carry forward the spirit of excellence and integrity, remain adaptable, innovative, and courageous, and live a life of purpose and impact, reminding them that their education is a privilege that carries with it a responsibility to add value to their community, uplift others, and contribute meaningfully to the progress of the nation and the world. 

He further encouraged them to stay connected to their alma mater, continue learning, and uphold the ideals that have shaped them.

The Vice-Chancellor highlighted the challenges facing the university, including inadequate physical infrastructure, insufficient funding for research and innovation, shortage of senior academic staff, limited student hostels and social amenities, and the need for strengthened digital and technological infrastructure. 

He appealed to the government for support, including dedicated capital project intervention, special funding for research infrastructure, support for student hostel development, provision of sustainable digital infrastructure, and a more stable funding framework to ensure institutional stability and long-term sustainability.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has lauded Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde for making Ibadan, the state capital, liveable and making residents comfortable by executing projects aimed at easing transportation and making life more meaningful for the people.

Obasanjo stated this in Ibadan, on Wednesday, at the commissioning of the Ibadan Central Bus Terminal, Iwo Road, Ibadan, which has two mega bus stations constructed with waiting halls, ticket spaces, eateries, public conveniences, open vehicular parking space, electrical power generating house, water reservoir, elevators and escalators, among other facilities. 

Obasanjo praised Makinde for doing well for the people of Ibadan and Oyo State by building people-centred projects, including the bus terminals, which according to him, would ease transportation within Ibadan, the third largest city in Nigeria by population and the largest in terms of land area.

He noted that the constructions of the terminals in Ojoo, Challenge and the two in Iwo Road would make movements easier for residents and that whatever development Makinde is making happen in Ibadan is beneficial to the rest of the South-West, as the metropolis is not only the capital of Oyo State but also the capital of the defunct Western Region, the Old Western State, and by extension, Yorubaland.

He said: “Governor Makinde, you have done so well. You are making Ibadan liveable and you have been trying to make everyone living in Ibadan and the state comfortable.

“Ibadan, in population, is the third largest city in Nigeria but in land area, it is the largest. So, to move from point A to B in Ibadan is longer than moving from point A to B in the other two cities said to be larger than Ibadan in population. These are Lagos and Kano. And, if you are going to make it convenient for people to live in Ibadan, to trade in Ibadan, there must be availability of transportation and that is what these bus terminals are meant for. The two here and the two in Challenge and Ojoo are meant for that.

“You invited me three days ago to this event; I didn’t hesitate. I came here because you are an Omoluabi. Before anyone can invite me to an event three days to the time, he must be someone I hold in high esteem. For you, if you call me a day to the event, I will come. You resemble me in a lot of ways. When people tell me Makinde is doing this infrastructure and all that, I always tell them why won’t he do it? He is an Engineer. A professional engineer, who knows how to fix things. But you have added another feather to the cap, you are now also into political engineering.”

The former President also counselled the Governor to remain focused and undeterred by those attacking and insulting him over some of the ongoing development efforts, noting that “those abusing you today would praise you tomorrow. I was also abused too and they have come back today to praise me. That is how it is.”

He also charged residents of the state and Nigerians, who would use the facility to ensure it is put to good use and well maintained.

Makinde said his government built four modern bus terminals, including Challenge, Ojoo, New Ife Road and Iwo Road to enable residents of the city to move freely and not be encumbered by transportation challenges known with big cities.

He noted that the completion of the Ibadan Central Bus Terminal is a demonstration of his government’s determination to engineer a modern Oyo State, noting that his administration has gone about building different infrastructure projects without politicising development, which is what some people who have been attacking his government love to do.

The Governor pointed out that the Oyo State Government constructed the dual carriageway from Iwo Road to Adegbayi to ease transportation pressure on the axis and that it has even applied to the Federal Government to extend the project to the Oyo State boundary at Asejire, among other projects embarked upon by the state to ensure that its residents do not go through unnecessary hardship.

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Responding to the ongoing protests on the ongoing 110km Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road, the Governor said the project is not just a road project but an economic backbone of the state, saying that the intention is not just to build a highway, but to create a space where industries, logistics hubs, and estates can emerge to support the growth of Oyo State over the next decades.

He said: “Now I know that many of you have had ongoing conversations about the 110km Rashidi-Ladoja Circular Road and sometimes misconceptions about what it represents. 

“Let me use this opportunity to again explain why this Circular Road matters. It is not just a road project, it is an economic backbone. We are not only constructing a highway, we are building a corridor of opportunity. We are creating a space where industries, estates and logistic hubs will emerge to support the growth of our city over the next 20 years. Some have asked, why keep land aside for an investment corridor? The answer is very simple. 

“Cities that fail to plan for tomorrow are soon swallowed in the chaos of today. So this corridor is not for me or for any individual, it is for the generations that will come after us. It ensures that as the city grows, development happens in an organised and sustainable way.”

He added that the project is part of the state’s development journey, noting that he would go to the Circular Road with the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and Mogajis to engage with real property owners, noting, however, that he is not bothered by those who call him names, because issues like that come with leadership.

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said the state’s vision of unlocking prosperity, creating employment and boosting trade volume is on course, with the launch of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) sub-national implementation strategy.

He said the launch of the strategy would enhance his administration’s agenda for the sustainable development of the state.

Makinde said his government became emboldened to engage in the agreement, given the sheer size and population of the state and the huge investments it had made on infrastructure development, adding that the agreement would culminate in massive employment creation, opportunities for entrepreneurs and business owners and boost of trade volumes.

The governor, who spoke yesterday during a post-engagement meeting on the AfCFTA implementation, held at the Local Government Service Commission Training School, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, said his administration would like to be remembered as one that put in place institutions and structures that would enable the state’s smooth transition into future.

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He said his administration had not only been investing in rebuilding infrastructure and implementing policies that improved the standard of living of Oyo State residents, but also saving about 6 million US Dollars in the Sovereign Wealth Fund it floated some months ago, with a focus on the future of the state.

Noting that knowledge and productivity must be combined with natural resources to take any state or country out of poverty, Makinde hailed the state’s venture into AfCFTA as the first sub-national, saying it formed part of institutional initiatives that would shape the future of the state.

He said the building of several landmark infrastructures, including the ongoing upgrading of Ibadan Airport to international standard and implementation of key policies, which encouraged economic expansion, meant that his administration’s vision for sustainable development was on its way to fruition.

The governor appreciated AfCFTA technical working group led by his Special Adviser on AfCFTA and International Trade, Ms Neo Tlhaselo.

He said: “Let me say thank you to the team and the AfCFTA. You have done really well on behalf of our state. Your thoughts, diligence and dedication will not go unrewarded.’’

Ms Tlhaselo appreciated the governor for his effort in making Oyo State the first sub-national, not just in Nigeria, but also on the entire African continent, to sign on to the agreement.

She said the governor’s visionary leadership had led to massive economic development in the state.

She said the post-launch engagement was a statutory administrative process that followed the launch of the implementation strategy, which pronounced Oyo State as a party to the AfCFTA to engage within the African continent on the agreement’s framework.

Tlhaselo added that the implementation strategy was a legal instrument that would allow Oyo State to engage with other states globally in trading, with access to bilateral relations and international trade agreements, thereby positioning it as an able partner to many African countries.