Oyo @50: Makinde unveils logo as 50-day countdown begins

File: Governor of Oyo State, Seyi' Makinde

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Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday unveiled the Oyo @50 logo and commenced the 50-day countdown to the golden jubilee of the state’s creation, saying the Pacesetter State has recorded remarkable progress, development and growth over the past five decades.

The winner of the Oyo @50 logo design competition, Olaleye Sunday, was rewarded with N1.5m at the event, which was attended by a former governor and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; a former deputy governor, Hamid Gbadamosi; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Olaoye; a representative of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade; other traditional rulers and eminent citizens of the state.

PUNCH Online reports that on October 6, 2025, the state government inaugurated an 11-member committee, headed by a former member of the House of Representatives, Saheed Fijabi, as the Oyo @50 Anniversary Committee.

Also, on November 3, 2025, the government opened entries for the 50th anniversary logo.

Fijabi described the anniversary as a reflection of the state’s identity, resilience and shared aspirations, adding that the celebrations would cut across all geopolitical zones of the state.

Speaking at the well-attended event held at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, Makinde said there were many reasons to celebrate the state’s golden jubilee despite prevailing economic challenges in the country.

He noted that Oyo State has recorded landmark developments and produced men and women of excellence who have brought glory to the state and Nigeria.

The governor thanked individuals who have contributed in one way or another to the state’s development over the past 50 years.

Highlighting his administration’s contributions, Makinde said his government had prioritised continuity in governance, citing several completed and ongoing infrastructure projects.

He explained that his administration adopted short-, medium- and long-term governance approaches, completing abandoned projects initiated by previous administrations where they aligned with the state’s development goals.

He cited the completion of the Saki Township Road, the construction of the Akobo Bridge and the resolution of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology ownership crisis, among others.

Makinde also referenced the Ibadan Circular Road project, named after Ladoja, as an example of continuity, announcing that the 32-kilometre first segment would be commissioned as part of the Oyo @50 celebrations.

“Some people may ask what there is to celebrate in today’s Nigeria, given the hardship and poverty, but despite all these, the state has continued to make progress.

“So even if it is just the little wins, let us celebrate Oyo at 50 and look forward to another 50 years of growth and development,” he said.

The governor added that the state banquet for the anniversary would be held at the new Banquet Hall under construction at the Government House, unlike previous years when official events were held at external venues.

He said the unveiling of the logo and commencement of the countdown were part of activities lined up for the celebration, stressing the need for governance that prioritises medium- and long-term planning.

Makinde reiterated his commitment to continuity, noting that projects such as the Akobo Bridge, Saki Township Road and LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Annexe in Oyo, which had been abandoned for years, were completed or nearing completion under his administration.

“For continuity of development, I will make recommendations on who should govern the state after us. I have 17 months left to serve, but I can assure the people that there will be no backwardness during my tenure and under those we recommend,” he said.

Earlier, Ladoja, speaking through Oba Abiodun Kola-Daisi, thanked God for witnessing the state’s 50th anniversary, recalling that he was in office during the 30th anniversary celebration.

In separate goodwill messages, former Minister of Trade, Investment and Industry, Onikepo Akande; the Olu of Igboora, Oba Olajide Titiloye; and Bayo Oyero described Makinde as a reform-minded leader who has demonstrated fairness across religious, political and ethnic lines.

Delivering his welcome address, the chairman of the Oyo @50 Anniversary Committee, Saheed Fijabi, said the celebration would honour the past, showcase present achievements and articulate a bold vision for the next 50 years.

He assured residents of an inclusive celebration featuring cultural exhibitions, intellectual engagements, community-based activities and youth-focused programmes.

The event was attended by the wife of the governor, Tamunominini Makinde; Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal and his wife, Ajibola; Mutiat Ladoja; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by his deputy, Mohammed Fadeyi; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Iyabo Yerima, represented by Justice A. L. Akintola; and the President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice T. M. Abdulganiyu.

Also present were former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Monsurat Sunmonu; the member representing Ibadan North-West/South-West Federal Constituency, Stanley Olajide; and the member representing Iseyin/Kajola/Iwajowa/Itesiwaju Federal Constituency, Shina Oyedeji.

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