In recognition of his extraordinary transformation initiatives in Oyo State which has drawn attention and praise from the media and the public alike, Governor Seyi Makinde has bagged leadership governor of the year awards.
Governor Makinde’s innovative approach to governance has established the state as a model in various respects.
Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has been honored as the Independent Newspaper’s 2024 Man of the Year.
The accolade was bestowed upon him at a vibrant ceremony held at the Expo Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Saturday night.
At this gathering, which included First Lady Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, seven state governors, two serving ministers, numerous legislators, influential politicians, and industry leaders receiving various awards, Governor Makinde was distinguished as the Man of the Year, a significant highlight of the event.
The organisers stated that Governor Makinde was selected for this honor in recognition of his remarkable contributions to governance, democracy, and infrastructure development. His giant strides include extensive improvements in infrastructure, advancements in agribusiness, education reforms, enhanced healthcare delivery, employment generation, and a focus on security and good governance.
In response to the awards, which was presented by Chief Olabode George, the chairman of the occasion, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, Governor Makinde’s Chief of Staff, who represented him, stated, “On behalf of His Excellency, Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde, I dedicate this award to the great people of Oyo State—the true architects of this success.
As the Governor has always said, ‘Governance should be about the people, and we remain committed to policies that improve lives, promote inclusivity, and ensure sustainable development.’
“Thank you, the Independent Newspapers, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Governor Makinde has a history of accolades, having previously been named the Nigerian Tribune’s 2019 Governor of the Year, Silverbird’s 2022 Man of the Year, Vanguard’s 2022 Governor of the Year, and Leadership’s 2023 Governor of the Year, among others.
Press Release from the Oyo State government below:
Press Release
Makinde bags Independent Newspaper Man of the Year awards
Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has emerged the Independent Newspaper’s 2024 Man of the Year The award was presented to him at a colourful ceremony, held at Expo Convention Centre, Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Saturday night.
At the ceremony, where the First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, seven state governors, two serving ministers, several legislators, prominent politicians and captains of industry, bagged different awards, Governor Makinde was named Man of the Year, the peak of the awards.
According to the organisers, Governor Makinde was picked as Man of the Year in recognition of his outstanding contributions to governance, democracy, and infrastructure development.
Responding to the award presented by Chief Olabode George, chairman of the occasion, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, Governor Makinde’s Chief of Staff, who represented him at the event said,
“On behalf of His Excellency, Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde, I dedicate this award to the great people of Oyo State—the true architects of this success. As the Governor has always said, ‘Governance should be about the people, and we remain committed to policies that improve lives, promote inclusivity, and ensure sustainable development.’
“Thank you, the independent Newspapers, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”Governor Makinde, a serial award winner, was Nigerian Tribune’s 2019 Governor of the Year, Silverbird’s 2022 Man of the Year, Vanguard’s 2022 Governor of the Year and Leadership’s 2023 Governor of the Year, among others.
Makinde’s phenomenal transformation in the areas of infrastructure development, agribusiness, education, healthcare delivery, wealth creation, security, provision of employment opportunities, good governance and strengthening institutions, which have turned Oyo State to a model in many respects, has not escaped the attention of players and operators of the fourth estate of the realm who never cease to acknowledge and commend his novel approach to governance and leadership.
Signed
Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju
Special Adviser (Media) to Oyo State Governor March 16, 2025