With a heart filled with pride, admiration, and gratitude to God, I, Hon. Abiodun Adedoja Ekòló, former Chairman of Ibadan South East Local Government and one-time Board Member of the Nigerian Maritime Authority, humbly extend my warmest congratulations to His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Olúwáṣeýí Abíọ́dún Makinde, FNSE, on the remarkable and historic milestone of six years in office.
Your Excellency, your tenure has not only redefined governance in Oyo State, it has also rekindled the hope of the common man in the power of purposeful and visionary leadership. Over the past six years, you have demonstrated that politics, when blended with empathy, professionalism, and competence, can truly deliver the dividends of democracy to the people.
From education to health care, infrastructure to youth empowerment, agriculture to security, and industrial growth to digital transformation, your administration has brought about a silent revolution that speaks loudly across every corner of Oyo State.
Under your leadership, Oyo State has witnessed a progressive revival in the education sector. From the prompt payment of salaries to the employment of thousands of teachers, free and qualitative education, to the renovation and construction of hundreds of classrooms — you have placed Oyo back on the map as a state where learning is not just a right but a priority.
You have redefined infrastructural development with strategic and people-oriented projects. The dualization of key roads such as the Moniya-Iseyin road, the Ibadan Circular Road, and numerous inner-city link roads is a testament to your commitment to connectivity and economic stimulation across the zones.
Your intervention in healthcare is both life-saving and future-minded. The revamp of Primary Health Centres across the 351 wards, the upgrading of Adeoyo and other major hospitals, and the commitment to health insurance access have made quality healthcare a reality for thousands.
Your Excellency has been a beacon of hope for the youth. Through Oyo State’s Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Project (YEAP) and countless training and empowerment schemes, young people have been given a voice, a purpose, and a future.
In a time of national insecurity, you took bold steps with the establishment of Amotekun, which has become a model for community policing across Nigeria. The peace and stability in Oyo today cannot be overlooked, and the people are safer and more confident, thanks to your proactive measures.
Your prudent financial management, internally generated revenue growth, support for MSMEs, and investor-friendly policies have gradually transformed Oyo State into an investment destination. Your government’s transparency and fiscal responsibility are unmatched.
You have also remained faithful to your roots by revitalizing agriculture. The Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub, support to farmers, rural road construction, and input provision have brought modern agriculture to the grassroots.
Your Excellency, these six years have not just been about projects; they have been about people — your people. Your humility, accessibility, and consistency stand you out as a leader truly loved by the governed. You have laid a solid foundation for a greater Oyo State, and the generations to come will remember this era as a golden age of development and good governance.
As a proud son of Oyo State and as someone who has served at the grassroots and on the national scene, I commend you sincerely. You have made us proud.
May the Almighty continue to grant you strength, wisdom, and peace as you continue to steer the affairs of our dear Pacesetter State.
Congratulations once again, Governor Olúwáṣeýí Makinde, the People’s Governor, the Architect of Modern Oyo State!