Oyo@50: State to conduct health outreaches in LGAs, to open hall of fame soon

As part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of Oyo State, the state will be conducting health outreaches across all the 33 local government areas, ensuring that the celebrations deliver tangible benefits to communities.

Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, chairman, Oyo State at 50 Anniversary Committee, listed activities for the celebration to include health outreach programmes across the 33 local government areas, film shows in the six geo-political zones, a carnival, symposiums, sports events and empowerment programmes for women.

Addressing the press, Akinade-Fijabi, disclosed that the celebration will witness commissioning of many projects to commemorate it and that awards of recognition will be given to people from across various fields of human endeavours.

‘”A hall of fame will soon be opened inside the state secretariat to showcase the historical achievements and contributors to the state since it was created. The state will host cultural exhibitions and film shows in the six geopolitical zones, providing a vibrant showcase of Oyo’s rich heritage, music, arts, and creative talents,” he said.

The celebration, he revealed, will commence on January 26, 2026 with a lecture and address by Governor Seyi Makinde at the University of Ibadan and end on February 3, 2026, with a dinner night to honour distinguished citizens and contributors to the state’s growth.

According to Akinade-Fijabi, the anniversary, themed, “Consolidating the Legacy, Navigating the Present, and Reimagining the Future,” will feature a blend of thanksgiving, reflection, intellectual engagement, and joyous festivity.

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In addition, symposiums and public lectures will offer platforms for intellectual engagement, discussing topics such as governance, sustainable development, and social inclusion.

Akinade-Fijabi, a former House of Representatives member, ‎stressed that the golden jubilee activities were designed to combine thanksgiving, intellectual engagement and cultural expression, in line with the development vision of Governor Makinde.

“Oyo State’s story is not written by indigenes alone. Many non-indigenes have invested their skills, resources, and passion into the growth of this state. This Golden Jubilee is a moment to honour every hand that has shaped Oyo’s journey,” he said.

“We recognise that the strength of our state lies in our diversity. Celebrating those who have contributed to Oyo’s glory, regardless of origin, is central to building an inclusive legacy for future generations”.

He stated that the celebration is not a political party affair saying “people from various political divides will be in attendance to celebrate the state and that invitation for the event has been extended to citizens, friends and various people from across the world.

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