How are you today? I hope you are enjoying the festivities.

Yesterday, I marked my 58th birthday. I am deeply thankful for the goodwill, prayers, and kind gestures from the good people of Oyo State and beyond. You may view pictures from the event here.

Even though I wanted a quiet birthday, I was touched by the thoughtful celebration organised by my Executive Adviser on Agribusiness, International Cooperation and Development, Dr Debo Akande. It was a reminder of shared purpose, service, and responsibility. Once again, thank you, Debo, and everyone else who had a part in making my day memorable.

As the year draws to a close, this final newsletter is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and take stock. I would usually share what books I have read during the year, but it has been a particularly tough year for my reading culture. What can I say? We try again in 2026.

2025 has been a demanding year… economically, socially, and politically. Yet, it has also been a year of steady progress, institutional strengthening, and deliberate choices about the kind of State we are building.

One of the clearest expressions of that intent is the 110 km Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project.

Please watch this documentary that my team has put together, which chronicles the journey of the Circular Road, from concept, through challenges and recalibration, to its current stage of execution. More importantly, the documentary looks ahead… beyond asphalt and concrete… to the broader vision of corridor development, economic opportunity, and structured growth around this critical infrastructure.

Within the documentary, we are also releasing 3D visualisations of the Circular Road development corridor, offering a clear picture of what is being planned. We hope that investors who watch this documentary will key into our vision and become part of this corridor development. Transparency and clarity remain central to how we govern and how we build.

As we prepare to step into a new year, my resolve remains unchanged… to continue leading with discipline, empathy, and a long-term view that prioritises sustainability and systems.

Thank you for your trust, your patience, and your partnership throughout 2025.

I look forward to continuing this journey with you in 2026.