We’ll create more institutions to make Oyo greater —Makinde

Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Thursday said his administration had institutionalised a merit-based system in the state, revealing that more institutions would be created before the end of his tenure to make Oyo State greater.

The governor stated this at a symposium organised as part of the activities marking the 50th anniversary of the state, held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.

The governor equally added that preparations were underway to put together another roadmap which would ensure the continued development of the state beyond 2027.

“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,” he said.

The governor, who reeled out some of the institutions created by his administration, noted that the essence of creating those agencies and institutions is to ensure unassailable development in the state.

Reiterating 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.”

READ ALSO: Oyo@50: We’ve built roadmap beyond 2027 — Gov Makinde

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, in his goodwill message, congratulated Governor Makinde and the good people of Oyo State on the golden jubilee celebration, lauding the state for its renown as a pacesetter.

In his keynote address, the Executive Chairman, African Center for Shared Development Capacity Building, Prof. Olu Ajakaiye, speaking on the theme: ‘Celebrating the Legacy, Navigating the Present, and Reimagining the Future’, lauded Governor Makinde for reviving and modernising the pace-setting development agenda of the defunct Western Region through effective planning, transparency and accountability.

He also lauded the governor for integrating projects and programmes abandoned by the past administrations in his own programme.

He added that by consolidating the legacies of the past, navigating the present, and reimagining the future, with a clear vision, effective planning, and cooperation, Oyo State can become a model for development in Nigeria.

Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman, Oyo State at 50 Anniversary Committee, Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, said the theme of the symposium is more relevant than ever in the current economic and political landscape, noting that the goal is to foster open discussion and share insights on key issues that could drive development in the state.

The event had in attendance a former governor of Oyo State and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Sen) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja; a former First Lady of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja; Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr Bayo Lawal; Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communication, Chief Sunday Dare; Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; and the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima, among others.