Discussants at the anniversary discourse to mark Oyo State at forty-eight, have stated that Oyo State, a home of many firsts has witnessed unprecedented growth and development as well as landmark achievements in forty-eight years of existence.
Speaking at the event which was held at the Western House of Chiefs, Oyo State House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, Agodi Ibadan on Saturday, 3 February, The Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Ministry in the State, Dr Wasiu Olatubosun pledged that the current administration of Governor Seyi Makinde will perform better during his second tenure.
Olatubosun, who started his speech on government policies, briefly discussed the history of Oyo State and the importance of government executing good policies in the State. He said without the sacrifices and selflessness of the founding fathers, Oyo State would not be where it is today even as the State has the potential to be greater.
The Honourable Commissioner outlined the achievements of the current administration with emphasis on education, health, security and expansion of the economy through agriculture and infrastructure development.
He said, “We are so fortunate to have our Governor, Engineer Oluwaseyi Makinde as the Governor of Oyo State because he is a man with a vision. We started with Omituntun 1.0; as regards health, there are now over 250 functional primary healthcare centres in the State. In the area of security, the State is at the forefront of the Western Nigerian Security Network, code named: Amotekun with the State having the highest number of Amotekun corps members in the region.
With regard to infrastructure, the government has also invested in interconnecting the five geographic zones in the State through road projects and the installed streetlights under the Light Up Oyo project among others. The focus on agribusiness has led to an expansion of the economy in the State while in education sector, schools and classrooms were being built and renovated and more teachers were employed, even though there is still lots to do in that area”.
Olatubosun said the focus on culture and tourism as one of the drivers of the economy under Omituntun 2.0 would yield benefits for the State and ensure that it maintains its pacesetter status.
On his part, Joshua Bola Olalere, convener of Oke Ogun Green Revolution, emphasised that all indigenes of the State should be patriotic no matter where they go. He noted that the problem faced in the country today can be solved by Oyo State, as the state has the potential to feed the whole country with its structural agricultural base having the first farm settlement in Nigeria, Fasola and being the largest cassava producer in Nigeria.
He further appreciated the current government’s exploits in agriculture while advising them to perform better in the area of agricultural business in order for the State to maintain its current pacesetter title as well as to provide employment and reduce naira depreciation.
Mrs Adegbite Olajumoke Oyetola, an educationist mentioned that the State has enjoyed a lot of development in the area of education citing examples of the first Technical University in Ibadan, acquisition of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, development and investment of primary, secondary, tertiary institutions and centres that cater to the disabled and illiterate adults.
She appreciated Governor Makinde for investing in education, while emphasising that despite the great heights, more actions are still needed in relation to improve the external examination results of students by investing more in infrastructure and educational technology, employing more capable teachers, as well as subsidising WAEC fees.
The organiser of the event and team leader of Blue Synergy Media, Mr Tope Aileru, appreciated the Oyo State Government for the privilege accorded him and his team. He also honoured 48 distinguished citizens for their dedication to the State.
Special features at the event included the recitation of the Oyo State Anthem; ‘Asiwaju ni wa’, a performance by Keggites Club and cutting of the anniversary cake. Distinguished guests at the event included speakers from the academia and the Agbaakin Maye Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oloye Lekan Alabi represented by Mogaji Akinkunmi.