Being the Speech by His Excellency, Seyi Makinde, FNSE, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, at the Opening Ceremony of the Oyo State at 50 Celebrations Held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan on Monday, 26 January 2026
Today, we gather to flag off the celebration of fifty years of Oyo State – fifty years of identity, resilience, sacrifice, and progress.
I speak not only as Governor, but as a citizen whose life has been shaped by this State for five decades. From childhood to public service, the journey of Oyo State has shaped my values, my sense of duty, and my belief in what this State can become.
This Golden Jubilee is more than a milestone. It is a moment of reflection, responsibility, and renewal.
In recent days, scores of indigenes, residents, and friends of Oyo State have shared tributes on our Digital Tribute Wall. Their stories remind us that the true strength of Oyo State lies in its people.
One of those stories is from Toluwaloju Folusho, who came to Oyo State as a youth corps member in 2021. He shared how he invested his State allowance to learn fashion design during his service year. Today, he runs a business in Oyo State that employs eight young people.
Another is from Ogunronbi Oluwaseun, who describes this celebration as deeply personal, having been born, raised, and educated in Oyo State. Her story reflects the quiet pride of citizens whose lives are intertwined with the destiny of this State.
These are not just tributes, they are evidence of enterprise, opportunity, belonging, and hope.
From strengthening our economy to expanding infrastructure, from improving education and healthcare to restoring fiscal discipline and public trust, Oyo State has moved from promises to performance, and from potential to measurable progress.
But today is not only about honouring the past.
It is about securing the next fifty years.
As we mark this Golden Jubilee, we commit ourselves to a future built on strong institutions, sustainable growth, empowered young people, inclusive development, and lasting stability.
Permit me to speak on behalf of the people of Oyo State as we make a collective commitment to that future.
After each pledge, I will invite you to affirm it with a resounding “Yes.”
- We commit to building a stronger and more competitive economy that creates jobs, attracts investment, and expands opportunity.
- We commit to infrastructure that drives development, education that prepares our children for the future, and institutions that endure beyond any administration.
- We commit to peace, security, good governance, fiscal responsibility, and a State that remains safe, stable, and open for business.
- Above all, we commit to ensuring that the next fifty years deliver greater prosperity, fairness, dignity, and hope for every citizen of Oyo State.
Do you agree to all?
As we begin this celebration, let it be recorded that this generation did more than celebrate history – we strengthened the foundations of destiny.
May history say that at fifty, Oyo State chose courage, service, and legacy.
And may our children, when they inherit this State decades from now, say with pride:
“They saw the future and they built it for us.”
Welcome to the Oyo State at 50 celebrations.
Thank you and God bless you.
Seyi Makinde
26 January 2026