Governor Seyi Makinde, on Thursday, said his administration has institutionalized a merit-based system in Oyo State, revealing that more institutions would be created before the end of his tenure to make the state greater.
Makinde stated this at a symposium organized as part of the activities marking the fiftieth anniversary of the state, held at the International Conference Center, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
Makinde equally added that preparations were underway to put together another roadmap which would ensure the continued development of the state beyond 2027.
Governor Makinde said, “We’ve been talking about strong institutions. We don’t want strong individuals in our state; we want strong institutions. Yes, we want strong and committed leadership. But we also would like that leadership to be supported by strong institutions. And I always say that this administration will create institutions that will guarantee good governance in our state, well beyond the tenure of this administration.”
The governor, who listed some of the institutions established by his government, stated that the purpose of those agencies and institutions is to assure unstoppable progress in the state.
Emphasizing his commitment to the development of the state beyond his tenure, Makinde said, “Before we leave, we will prepare another roadmap. It is a roadmap for continued development of Oyo State 2027 and beyond. So, Agenda 2040 and all of the things that will serve the people of Oyo State for the next 50 years, we’ll put it in there. And we’ll circulate it.”
He warned those eyeing his seat to resist the temptation of taking the people for granted “because Oyo State people don’t want the music of Omituntun to stop. That is the message I took home from the carnival we had yesterday. People trooped out and they were all like, look, we hope the music will continue.”
Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, congratulated Governor Makinde and the people of Oyo State on their golden jubilee celebration, praising the state’s reputation as a trailblazer.
He praised the people of Oyo State for their generosity and wished that the state would continue to prosper.
Prof. Olu Ajakaiye, Executive Chairman of the African Center for Shared Development Capacity Building, delivered his keynote talk on the following theme: “Celebrating the Legacy, Navigating the Present, and Reimagining the Future,” lauding Governor Makinde for reviving and modernizing the pace-setting development agenda of the defunct Western Region through effective planning, transparency, and accountability.
He also praised the governor for incorporating projects and programs abandoned by previous administrations into his own program, as well as for introducing the State of the State Address, engaging budget stakeholders, and maintaining a skilled and motivated public service that ensured industrial harmony in the state.
He went on to say that by consolidating the legacy of the past, navigating the present, and reinventing the future, with a clear vision, smart planning, and collaboration, Oyo State may become a model for growth in Nigeria.
Prof. Ajakaiye, as a result, urged Governor Makinde to provide legal backing to all institutions established by his administration. He also encouraged him to eradicate all sorts of criminality and insecurity from the state.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, Chairman of the Oyo State 50th Anniversary Committee, stated that the symposium’s theme is more relevant than ever in today’s economic and political landscape, and that the goal is to foster open discussion and share insights on key issues that can drive state development.
