By Amofin Beulah Adeoye
It’s exactly 72 months today, Governor Seyi Makinde took the first oath of office as Governor of Oyo State. His emergence ushered in a new path of governance. Renewed trust, people’s centric and unprecedented growth across all sectors of the economy.
Under Governor Makinde’s administration, Oyo State becomes a testament to visionary leadership and transformative governance. Since the people of Oyo State entrusted him to lead, Governor Makinde has implemented strategic initiatives encapsulated in Omi TunTun 1.0.
The critical sectors of the economy; security, health, education and infrastructure have witnessed tremendous growth with the continuous executive of Omi TunTun 2.0 tagged Road Map for Sustainable Development 2023 – 2027.
Recognizing the critical role of security in development, Governor Makinde has implemented comprehensive measures to safeguard lives and property. The establishment of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, known as Amotekun Corps, with the recruitment of over 2,000 personnel, has bolstered community-based security efforts.
The administration has equipped security agencies with operational vehicles, communication gadgets, and bulletproof vests, enhancing their capacity to respond to threats across the five geo-political zones in the State. The operationalization of the 615 toll-free emergency number and the expansion of the Security Control Room have improved emergency response coordination.
Collaborative engagements with traditional rulers, security agencies, and community stakeholders have fostered a unified approach to crime prevention and public safety. These efforts have contributed to a 25% reduction in crime rates, positioning Oyo State as one of the safest in the region, thereby attracting investors to the State. The Light-Up Oyo project also contributed to security success recorded in the state and promotion of nigh life business.
Governor Makinde’s administration has prioritized the revitalization of the healthcare system to ensure accessible and quality medical services for all citizens. A cornerstone of this effort is the comprehensive renovation and equipping of 264 out of the 351 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state, aiming to provide at least one functional PHC in every ward.
To address the shortage of medical personnel, the government has recruited doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals, enhancing service delivery in both primary and secondary health facilities. The establishment of Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plants at Jericho Specialist Hospital and State Hospital Oyo has significantly improved emergency response capabilities.
In a bid to strengthen healthcare financing and accessibility, the administration of Governor Makinde has increased enrollment in the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme from 45,000 to over 300,000 beneficiaries. Additionally, the implementation of a Drug Revolving Scheme in 26 PHCs ensures the consistent availability of essential medicines. Oyo State Hospital Management Board also got the mandate of His Excellency to recruit new staff in order to improve the working strength and serve more people in the state without undermining the quality.
These concerted efforts have yielded measurable outcomes, including a reduction in maternal mortality from 296 to 244 per 100,000 live births and an improvement in neonatal mortality rates.
Governor Makinde’s commitment to education is evident in the substantial investments and reforms implemented to enhance learning outcomes and accessibility. The recruitment of 7,500 teaching staff and 500 non-teaching personnel for the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), along with 7,000 primary school teachers and 100 caregivers for special schools, has addressed staffing deficits and improved educational quality.
A significant milestone is the successful negotiation for the sole ownership of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) by Oyo State, enabling greater autonomy and development of the institution. I led the External Independent Consulting team that facilitated smooth sole ownership of LAUTECH by Oyo State without any flaw, and ended up win-win for the two states.
More importantly, the administration of Governor Makinde also facilitated the conversion of Emmanuel Alayande College of Education into a University of Education, expanding higher education opportunities beyond the State.
To support students financially, the government has awarded scholarships to students across the state’s 33 local government areas and reduced school fees at state-owned tertiary institutions. Infrastructure upgrades, including the construction of new classrooms and laboratories, have further enhanced the learning environment.
These initiatives have contributed to the reintegration of over 60,000 out-of-school children into the educational system, reflecting the administration’s dedication to inclusive education.
Under Governor Makinde’s leadership, Oyo State has witnessed significant infrastructural development aimed at enhancing connectivity and stimulating economic activities. The administration has completed 335.77 kilometers of roads, with an additional 273.31 kilometers under construction, including key projects like the Moniya-Iseyin and Oyo-Iseyin roads.
Urban mobility has been improved through the rehabilitation of major roads in Ibadan, such as the Dugbe–Eleyele Road and the Challenge–Orita Road, reducing congestion and facilitating trade. The commissioning of the Challenge and Ojoo Bus Terminals, along with the introduction of Omituntun Buses, has modernized the state’s transport infrastructure.
In the energy sector, the commissioning of an 11MW Hybrid Power Plant combining gas and solar energy marks a significant step towards energy independence, with a target of achieving 500MW capacity. The installation of solar mini-grids in various communities and solar lights at 21 primary health centers ensures reliable electricity supply, particularly in off-grid areas.
These infrastructural advancements have not only improved the quality of life for residents but have also attracted over ₦35 billion in investments, particularly in the agriculture sector, contributing to the state’s economic growth .
Governor Seyi Makinde’s six-year tenure has been marked by strategic reforms and investments that have transformed Oyo State across multiple sectors. His administration’s focus on healthcare, education, security, and infrastructure has laid a solid foundation for sustainable development and improved the well-being of the state’s residents. As Oyo State continues on this trajectory of progress, the achievements of the past six years serve as a testament to effective and people-centered governance.
