Discussants marked the annivssary of the creation of Oyo State on Saturday, 3rd February, celebrating the unprecedented developments the pacesetter state has witnessed in its forty-eight years of existence at the Oyo State House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, Agodi Ibadan.
The discourse featured dignitaries like the Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Ministry in the State, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun who pledged that the current administration led by Governor Seyi Makinde will record better performance during his second tenure.
Dr Olatubosun chronicled the history of oyo state expatiating on government policies, and how crucial the execution of good government policies has been for the state. He identified the sacrifices and selfless nature of the founding fathers as the essential factor which has determined the state’s progress, and the immense potential it still nurtures.
According to the Honorable Commissioner, the current administration’s giant strides has reflected in education, health, security, and expansion of the economy through agricultural and infrastructural development.
“We are so fortunate to have our Governor, Engineer Oluwaseyi Makinde as the Governor of Oyo State because he is a man with a vision. We started with Omituntun 1.0; as regards health, there are now over 250 functional primary healthcare centres in the State. In the area of security, the State is at the forefront of the Western Nigerian Security Network, code named: Amotekun with the State having the highest number of Amotekun corps members in the region.
“With regard to infrastructure, the government has also invested in interconnecting the five geographic zones in the State through road projects and the installed streetlights under the Light Up Oyo project among others. The focus on agribusiness has led to an expansion of the economy in the State while in education sector, schools and classrooms were being built and renovated and more teachers were employed, even though there is still lots to do in that area”.
The Honourable Commissioner reiterated the administration’s focus on culture and tourism to drive the economy under the Omituntun 2.0. He also reassured that the efforts being made would improve the State and ensure that it maintains its pacesetter status.
Speaking on Agriculture, the convener of Oke Ogun Green Revolution, Joshua Bola Olalere urged indigenes of Oyo state to be patriotic regardless of their place of residence. He underscored the fact that Oyo State had the potential to solve the current food crisis in Nigeria with its structural agricultural base. He itemised some of the premier records of Oyo State in Nigeria including the first farm settlement in Nigeria which was set up in Fasola. He also boasted of Oyo State’s record as the largest cassava producer in Nigeria.
Mr Olalere lauded the current government’s efforts in agriculture. He enjoined the administration to perform better in the Agricultural Business sector to maintain its premier status, provide employment, and strengthen the naira.
Another Discussant Mrs Adegbite Olajumoke Oyetola, an educationist, identified the developmental strides of the state in education listing the first Technical University in Ibadan, full acquisition of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, the development and investment in primary, secondary, tertiary institutions including inclusive educational centres for special individuals and non literate adults as some of the achievements of the current administration.
While appreciating the governor’s investment in education, she called for more efforts so as to improve the external examination records of Oyo State students. She urged the government to subsidize WAEC fees, and to invest more in quality teachers, infrastructure, and educational technology.
Team leader of Blue Synergy Media and organiser of the event Mr Tope Aileru expressed appreciation to the Oyo State government for the opportunity to organise the event. 48 distinguished citizens of Oyo State were also honoured for their commitment to the development of the State.
Highlights of the event include the the recitation of the Oyo State Anthem ‘Asiwaju ni wa’, cutting of the anniversary cake, and performance by the Keggites Club. Distinguished guests at the event included speakers from the academia and the Agbaakin Maye Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oloye Lekan Alabi who was represented by Mogaji Akinkunmi.
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