by Kayode Awojobi
https://www.digital.zenithbank.com/ZEQ/ZEQ-jan-2026/index.html#p=1“I am here as your governor to serve you. I will work tirelessly and take responsibility for the workings of every sector. While I will delegate effectively, the buck will stop with me. I want you to hold me accountable and I will also hold you accountable as we work as partners to bring Oyo State to glory.”
-Engr. Seyi Makinde inaugural speech,
May 29, 2019
Indeed, the Governor of Oyo State, Engr Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde, after 3 years in office is still standing by his words and the people of your state can attest to this fact, as it is visible to the blind and very audible to the deaf. His government has made tremendous achievements, without mincing words, “Ají ṣe bí Òyó làárí, Òyó ò kí ṣe bí baba ẹnìkan.” Oyo leads and others imitate.
Just as I stated in my previous article published in 2020, titled “Seyi Makinde: The Fast-rising Political Party in Nigeria.” Many might say he’s destined to be the Governor, others may refer to his emergence as luck, but I personally believe Engr Seyi Makinde is only passionate about his ambition and this finally led to his occupation of the Government House, Agodi, Ibadan.” Governor Makinde has proven himself beyond imagination that he came fully ready to serve the people, with good plans and bring glory to the state, as it is known for.
3 years after his emergence as the people’s governor, one could imagine various landmark projects that were initiated and completed by his administration and previous administrations. I must say that it takes a hardworking and courageous person to take these giant steps while the entire citizenry are awestruck by these noble deeds.
It is not a gainsaying if I stated here that, GSM as popularly referred to, has achieved greater success in almost all the sectors than the last administration within three years. This administration is hinged on 4 pillars namely Education, Economy, Health and Security. These areas have received greater attention in the recent past and this has brought the expected results.
Gone are the days when IGR of the state used to be crawling, educational institutions facing several crises, with multiple cases of dilapidated buildings in various public schools, shambled healthcare facilities and insecurity in the state. Just as the governor promised to reform the affected sectors, eyes could see and ears could hear, tremendous reformation, which has brought so much joy to the lives of the people.
Both civil servants and retirees in the state are no longer treated with levity, neither is the health sector begging for repairs. Old roads that used to be death traps are now motorable while new road networks are being constructed across the state.
Education has received rejuvenation, management and students of LAUTECH are now proud of their institution again. Security already wore a new outlook, trade and commerce in the state has been hugely enhanced. Agribusiness is now bubbling, transportation system has risen from its sickbed, and youths are not left unattended. Primary and secondary health facilities have changed throughout the state from mere room to consultation rooms.
The Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba is now a place to be proud of. While the “Light up Oyo” project has changed the narrative, as this particular project has brought electricity for the first time to areas that have never had electricity supply from time immemorial. Thousands of the citizens got employed by the state government, without getting connected with anyone in authority.
There are lots of landmark achievements in the last 3 years of Governor Makinde’s administration, just as the Yoruba would say, aríse, laríkà, then I ask, taló sopé ko po ke?
The people of Oyo state had not thought of experiencing good governance as this, but here we are today, with our smiling faces and hope for a better tomorrow, even though some are still aggrieved, Good governance? Maybe something meant for their personal gain. Omi tuntun, igba otun ni. Mr. Governor, you’ve had a great start, but the end is better thereof, but despite your good deeds, you’re still not loved by all and sundry in the state, but your style of governance had made you have more friends than enemies
Dear, Engr Seyi Makinde, if one good term deserves another, you indeed deserve another good term to serve the people of Oyo State with your best, as a lot is still expected of you in all sectors. The people’s governor, as you mark your 3rd year in office, I want to remind you that, mathematically, 4+4=8
