NIGERIA: Oyo Begins 50-Day Countdown To Golden Jubilee As Makinde Unveils Anniversary Logo

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

Oyo State has formally commenced activities marking its golden jubilee anniversary as Governor Seyi Makinde on Monday unveiled the official Oyo @ 50 logo and announced the start of a 50-day countdown to the state’s 50th anniversary.

The unveiling, held at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, signalled the beginning of events to commemorate five decades of the state’s creation, with the governor describing Oyo as a state that has recorded “remarkable progress, development and growth” despite prevailing national challenges.

Makinde said: “Some people may ask what there is to celebrate in Nigeria today, with the hardship and poverty around, but in spite of all of these, Oyo State has been making progress.”

“So, even if it is just those little wins, let us celebrate. Let us roll out the drums for Oyo at 50 and look forward to another 50 years of development and growth.”

The logo unveiling also featured the presentation of a ₦1.5 million cash prize to Mr Ajayi Olaleye Sunday, winner of the Oyo @ 50 Logo Design Competition.

Governor Makinde used the occasion to highlight what he described as his administration’s commitment to continuity in governance, noting that several uncompleted projects inherited from past administrations had been completed or expanded under his leadership.

He noted: “When we came in, we decided to take a medium- to long-term approach to governance. Some people advised us not to touch projects of past administrations, but we did not listen.”

“The Akobo Bridge was not there. We completed it and extended the road to Olorunda-Aba. The Saki Township Road was dusty; we completed it and went further to construct the Saki–Ogbooro–Igboho road.”

The governor further disclosed that the 32-kilometre first segment of the Ibadan Circular Road, named after the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, would be commissioned as part of the Oyo @ 50 celebrations.

Makinde also announced that the anniversary banquet would be held at the new Banquet Hall under construction at the Government House, marking the first official use of the facility.

“The unveiling of the Oyo State at 50 logo and the 50-day countdown is part of the activities to celebrate this milestone. It also reminds us that governance cannot be short-term; it must be deliberate and forward-looking,” he said.

In his goodwill message, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, former governor of Oyo State and Olubadan of Ibadanland, expressed gratitude for witnessing the state’s golden jubilee, recalling that he was in office during the 30th anniversary celebration.

Other dignitaries, including former Minister of Trade, Investment and Industry, Chief Onikepo Akande, traditional rulers and community leaders, described Makinde as a reform-driven leader whose administration has pursued inclusive development across the state.

Chairman of the Oyo State @ 50 Anniversary Committee, Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, said the anniversary would celebrate the past, showcase present achievements and articulate a bold vision for the next 50 years.

Fijabu stated: “The celebration will be inclusive, reflecting cultural exhibitions, intellectual engagements, community-based activities and youth-focused programmes that highlight unity in diversity.”

The event was attended by top government officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers, former governors, members of the judiciary, labour leaders and other eminent citizens of the state.