Governor Seyi Makinde has inaugurated the Oyo State at 50 Anniversary Committee, led by Hon. Saheed Fijabi, to plan the state’s golden jubilee celebration.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has officially inaugurated the Oyo State at 50 Anniversary Committee, marking the commencement of activities to celebrate the golden jubilee of the state’s creation.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi, on Monday in Ibadan.
The governor named a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Saheed Fijabi, as the Chairman of the Oyo State at 50 Anniversary Committee, which has been tasked with coordinating events and activities that will commemorate the state’s 50th anniversary. The appointment, according to the official letter, takes immediate effect.
The letter further listed other members of the committee, including the former Head of Service, Mrs. Ololade Agboola, who will serve as the Deputy Chairman; Ronke Adedayo as Secretary; Z.O. Ajuwon, Mustapha Areo, Fatimah Azeez, S.A. Adejumo, John Alabi, A.K. Bello, Fatai Owoseni, and the Director-General of Protocol, Mr. Samuel Badejo.
Governor Makinde, through his Chief of Staff, stated that the Oyo State at 50 Anniversary Committee was carefully selected to reflect competence, inclusiveness, and diverse representation across sectors.
He explained that the committee’s assignment goes beyond organizing an event — it is about celebrating the heritage, growth, and resilience of Oyo State since its creation in 1976.
“The 50th anniversary of our dear state provides an opportunity to celebrate our journey, honor our heroes, and reaffirm our collective vision for the future,” the statement read.
“The committee is expected to deliver a memorable celebration that showcases the achievements and rich cultural legacy of Oyo State.”
Oyo State was created on February 3, 1976, from the old Western State, and has grown to become a symbol of cultural pride and political stability in Nigeria.
With Ibadan as its capital, the state has been at the forefront of educational, political, and infrastructural development in the South-West.
The Oyo State at 50 Anniversary Committee will coordinate programmes aimed at highlighting these milestones. Activities are expected to include cultural exhibitions, public lectures, symposiums, parades, and legacy projects.
According to insiders, the committee may also produce a commemorative publication detailing the historical evolution of the state.
Governor Makinde emphasized that the golden jubilee celebration would not just be ceremonial but developmental.
“We want to use this milestone to reintroduce Oyo State to the world as a place of innovation, culture, and opportunity,” he stated.
The appointment of Hon. Saheed Fijabi as Chairman reflects Governor Makinde’s confidence in youthful leadership and experience.
Fijabi, who represented Ibadan North West/South West Federal Constituency from 2011 to 2019, is known for his active role in youth empowerment and community development.
Speaking after his appointment, Fijabi expressed gratitude to the governor for the opportunity to serve. He assured the public that the committee would deliver a befitting anniversary celebration worthy of Oyo’s golden history.
“This is a celebration of our shared identity and progress,” he said.
“The committee will engage stakeholders across all sectors to make the event memorable and impactful.”
The inclusion of respected figures such as former Head of Service Mrs. Agboola and former Commissioner of Police Mr. Fatai Owoseni reinforces the governor’s commitment to assembling a credible team capable of delivering excellence.
Sources within Government House revealed that the anniversary will also feature legacy projects, including infrastructure improvements, scholarships, and youth empowerment programmes.
These projects, according to the governor, will ensure that the celebration leaves a lasting impact on future generations.
Governor Makinde called for unity and public participation, encouraging residents to see the golden jubilee as a shared milestone.
He noted that Oyo State has been blessed with visionary leaders, industrious citizens, and a culture of resilience that deserves celebration.
“The story of Oyo is one of courage and progress. From our historical roots in Ibadan’s ancient walls to our emergence as a modern economic hub, we have much to be proud of,” Makinde said.
The Oyo State at 50 Anniversary Committee will soon release a detailed calendar of events, outlining the official programmes and their venues across all 33 local government areas.
Schools, traditional rulers, artisans, and youth organizations are expected to play key roles in the celebrations.
As Oyo State approaches its golden jubilee, citizens are encouraged to reflect on the journey so far and envision the future.
The Makinde administration aims to use the occasion to strengthen unity, promote tourism, and attract investment by showcasing the state’s achievements in education, health, technology, and governance.
The government also hinted that the committee’s activities would extend beyond the anniversary itself, serving as a platform for promoting sustainable development initiatives.
Plans include collaborations with the private sector, media, and cultural organizations to document the legacy of Oyo State over the past five decades.
The Chief of Staff, Ogunwuyi, reaffirmed the administration’s support for the committee.
“Governor Makinde’s vision is clear — Oyo State must celebrate its past and plan its future. The committee has the responsibility to make this a celebration for every citizen,” he said.
With the establishment of the Oyo State at 50 Anniversary Committee, Oyo State has officially begun preparations for what promises to be a historic and memorable celebration.
Governor Makinde’s vision for the anniversary goes beyond festivity — it is a call for unity, pride, and renewed commitment to building a stronger Oyo for future generations.
As the state marks this golden milestone, residents, stakeholders, and well-wishers are optimistic that the anniversary will showcase Oyo’s journey of transformation, resilience, and excellence over the past 50 years.
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