as State begins Golden Jubilee Celebration Countdown
Countdown to the 50th anniversary of the pacesetter state commenced on Monday with the unveiling of the official Oyo @ 50 logo by Governor ‘Seyi Makinde.
The unveiling ceremony, held at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, highlighted the role of creativity and citizen participation in commemorating the milestone. The Oyo @ 50 logo, selected through a competitive design process, was officially presented as the visual identity of the anniversary celebrations.
Winner of the Oyo @ 50 Logo Design Competition, Mr. Ajayi Olaleye Sunday, was announced at the event and received a sum of ₦1.5 million cash reward from the Oyo State Government in recognition of his creative acumen.
Speaking at the event, Governor Makinde reflected on the state’s developmental journey, noting that Oyo State has recorded steady progress in infrastructure, governance, and human capital development despite prevailing national economic challenges.
He stated that the golden jubilee provides an opportunity to celebrate achievements recorded since the creation of the state while setting the tone for sustained development.
The governor explained that the administration has prioritized the completion of the abandoned projects and the continuation of viable initiatives inherited from previous governments. He cited landmark projects such as the Saki Township Road, Akobo Bridge, road expansions to Olorunda-Aba, the resolution of the long-standing LAUTECH ownership dispute, and the ongoing Ibadan Circular Road project, named after former governor and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja.
He announced that the first 32 kilometres of the Ibadan Circular Road would be inaugurated as part of the jubilee celebrations, while the anniversary banquet would be held at the new Government House Banquet Hall, currently nearing completion. He also assured residents that mechanisms would be put in place to ensure continuity of development beyond the present administration.
Speaking on behalf of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, Oba Abiodun Kola Daisi , expressed gratitude for witnessing the state’s 50th anniversary and recalled the 30th anniversary celebrations held during his tenure as governor.
Goodwill messages were presented by Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande, the Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Olajide Titiloye, and Chief Bayo Oyero, who described the Makinde administration as reform-oriented and inclusive.
Earlier, Chairman of the Oyo State @ 50 Anniversary Committee, Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, said the jubilee programme would blend reflections on the past with a forward-looking agenda for the next 50 years, featuring cultural exhibitions, intellectual engagements, and youth-centred initiatives.
The event attracted dignitaries from across the state, including government officials, traditional rulers, former governors, lawmakers, judicial officers, labour leaders, and other key stakeholders.
