Foremost socio-political group, GSM Advocates, says Governor Seyi Makinde is staying the course. Through its Deputy Director, Bashorun Saintabey, the group said distractions do not sway the governor and that he remains dedicated to resetting Nigeria.
Saintabey made the statement on Wednesday in Ibadan during a briefing to outline the activities and political position of GSM Advocates, a foremost socio-political group. He said the seven years of the Makinde administration in Oyo State provide a practical template that can be replicated at the national level.
“Governor Seyi Makinde is not distracted by spontaneous issues or political noise. He is firmly focused on the bigger picture, to reset Nigeria and place it on the path of sustainable development, accountability and people-centered governance,” Saintabey stated.
According to him, GSM Advocates is mobilizing support for leaders with verifiable records, and Makinde’s performance in Oyo offers Nigerians a glimpse of what is possible nationally. He noted that the administration has invested heavily in infrastructure and the economy, including the construction and rehabilitation of high numbers of kilometers of roads across the state’s three senatorial districts to link agricultural communities to markets. He also cited the ongoing 110MW Independent Power Project in Ibadan aimed at providing stable electricity for industries, as well as the development of agribusiness hubs in Fasola and Eruwa which have attracted private investment.
In the education sector, Saintabey said GSM has renovated more than 500 public schools, and recruited thousands of teachers and 692 education officers to address manpower gaps.
On healthcare, he pointed to the establishment of at least one functional Primary Health Centre in each of the 351 wards in the state, the upgrade of Adeoyo and other general hospitals, and the expansion of health insurance coverage for vulnerable citizens through the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency.
He further highlighted progress in security and youth empowerment, referencing the launch of the Amotekun Security Network and the procurement of hundreds of patrol vehicles. He added that youth-focused interventions such as the N3.5 billion Youth in Agribusiness loan scheme and grants to more than 10,000 MSMEs have been put in place to support job creation.
In governance, the Deputy Director commended the granting of financial autonomy to local governments, prompt payment of salaries and pensions, and the adoption of transparent budget processes.
“These are not campaign promises. They are verifiable projects on ground. If this Oyo model is scaled nationally, Nigeria will witness real development, job creation, improved security and better welfare for citizens,” he said.
Saintabey urged Nigerians, particularly the youth, to prioritize competence and track record ahead of the 2027 general elections. He directed GSM Advocates chapters nationwide to begin grassroots sensitization on the need for focused leadership.
GSM Advocates is a socio-political movement formed to promote the ideals of the Omituntun governance agenda and support the political aspirations of Governor Seyi Makinde.
