Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening institutions rather than individuals, pledging to create more agencies and frameworks before the end of his tenure to sustain development in the state.
Makinde made the pledge on Thursday at a symposium held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of Oyo State.
The governor disclosed that his government has already institutionalised a merit-based governance system and is preparing a fresh development roadmap that will guide the state’s progress beyond 2027.
“We’ve been talking about strong institutions. We don’t want strong individuals in our state, we want strong institutions,” Makinde said. “Yes, we want strong and committed leadership, but we also want that leadership supported by strong institutions. This administration will create institutions that will guarantee good governance well beyond our tenure.”
According to him, the agencies and institutions established so far were deliberately designed to ensure irreversible and sustainable development across the state.
Reaffirming his long-term vision, the governor announced plans to unveil a new policy document titled Roadmap for Continued Development of Oyo State 2027 and Beyond, which he said would incorporate Agenda 2040 and other strategic plans meant to serve the people for the next 50 years.
Makinde also warned political actors aspiring to succeed him against taking the electorate for granted, stressing that residents want continuity of his administration’s governance philosophy, popularly known as Omituntun.
“Oyo State people don’t want the music of Omituntun to stop. That message was very clear during the carnival,” he said.
In his goodwill message, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, congratulated the government and people of Oyo State on the golden jubilee celebration, describing the state as a pacesetter and commending its people for their generosity.
Delivering the keynote address, Executive Chairman of the African Center for Shared Development Capacity Building, Prof. Olu Ajakaiye, praised Makinde for reviving and modernising the developmental legacy of the old Western Region through planning, transparency, and accountability.
Ajakaiye also commended the governor for integrating abandoned projects of previous administrations, introducing the State of the State Address, engaging stakeholders in budgeting, and maintaining a skilled and motivated public service that has ensured industrial harmony.
He urged the governor to give legal backing to all institutions created by his administration and to intensify efforts at eliminating criminality and insecurity in the state.
Earlier, Chairman of the Oyo State at 50 Anniversary Committee, Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, said the symposium’s theme was timely given Nigeria’s current economic and political realities, noting that the forum was designed to generate ideas capable of driving sustainable development in the state.
The event was attended by prominent dignitaries, including former Oyo State governor and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Sen.) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja; former First Lady of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja; Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal; Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; and the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, among others.
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