Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has emphasised the need for Nigeria governments to put aside nepotism, ethnicism and religion in its administrative system .
The governor also called on citizens of the country to uphold the rule of law and remain united irrespective of ethnicism as the country celebrates its 66th Independence Anniversary.
Delivering his address at the 66th Independence Day Celebration held on Thursday at the Adamasingba Stadium, Ibadan, the governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, explained that independence should not only be seen as freedom from British colonial rule, but also a call to responsible citizenship and a commitment to the continued development of the country.
He opined that poverty reduction in the society remained part of the benefits of democracy and independence, hence , the need for the government to intensify efforts in this regard.
He explained that Nigeria is currently facing numerous challenges, stressing the need for greater unity among Nigerians.
According to him, effective governance cannot be achieved without respect for the rule of law and the fundamental principles of democracy.
” We have numerous ethnic groups, we must learn how to live together in peace under one constitution, the ethnic groups should be our strengths and not weaknesses”
” We have a long way to go as a nation, ethnicity should be downgraded to the lowest in our administrative system for the betterment of our nation.”
He urged Nigerians to appreciate the sacrifices of the nation’s past heroes, whose efforts contributed to the attainment of independence in 1960.
The Governor also highlighted some of the achievements of his administration across the geo-political zones of the Oyo State, particularly in the areas of security, education, healthcare, infrastructure, sports and other sectors.
He explained that the Amotekun Corps has been collaborating with security agencies and other stakeholders to maintain peace and protect lives and property across the state.
As part of activities marking the 66th Independence Anniversary, an Independence debate competition was held on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology Conference Room
In the primary school category, Ojediran Olatunji of His Thought Academy, Ibadan North Local Government Area, emerged first; Omoboyewa Evans of The Maitre Builder, Ona-Ara Local Government Area, came second, while Eguabor Gideon of Sacred Heart Primary School, Ibadan South-West Local Government Area, placed third.
In the secondary school category, Fatunlete Eniibukun of the Saviour High School, Akinyele Local Government Area, emerged first; Agunlejika Toluwani of Imperial Oak College, Lagelu Local Government Area, came second, while Olawale Memunah of Oyo State Comprehensive College, Oluyole Local Government Area, came third.
The epoch making event attended by the government officials and eminent personalities across the spheres of life , featured parades, march -past and cultural display.
Government College, Ibadan emerged winners of the secondary school march -past, Bishop Philips Academy, Ibadan came second while Ibadan Boys High School went home with third position.
