Governor Seyi Makinde: A Symbol of Progress and People-Focused Leadership — By Dr. Temitope Oladimeji (OTOPE)

In a political climate where promises often fade with time, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State stands tall as a beacon of purposeful leadership and genuine commitment to the welfare of his people. Since assuming office in 2019, the engineer-turned-politician has steadily redefined governance through transparency, accountability, and a passion for inclusive growth.

His leadership blueprint — rooted in infrastructure renewal, educational advancement, healthcare reform, and youth empowerment — has repositioned Oyo State as a model of people-centered development in Nigeria’s Southwest.

Transforming Oyo Through Infrastructure

Governor Makinde’s administration has turned Oyo State into a construction hub, linking communities, markets, and opportunities across the state. Landmark projects such as the Moniya–Iseyin Road, Oyo–Iseyin Road, and Ogbomoso–Iseyin Road have opened up new economic corridors, facilitating trade and inter-regional mobility.

Within Ibadan and other urban centers, the rehabilitation of township roads, the ongoing Circular Road project, and the Agodi–Gate–Odogbo Barracks Road reflect a deliberate strategy to modernize transport networks and ease business operations. These infrastructural strides have not only beautified the state but also stimulated economic growth and private investment.

Education: The Cornerstone of Progress

Recognizing that a state’s true wealth lies in the minds of its people, Governor Makinde declared free and qualitative education at the basic and secondary levels. He scrapped all forms of fees in public schools and provided free textbooks, notebooks, and other learning materials — restoring access to education for thousands of children.

In addition, the government has invested heavily in recruiting qualified teachers, rehabilitating dilapidated schools, and constructing model classrooms. The results are evident in increased school enrollment and improved academic performance across the state.

Healthcare Reforms Rooted in Accessibility

Under Governor Makinde, Oyo State’s healthcare system has undergone remarkable revitalization. His administration is ensuring at least one functional Primary Health Centre (PHC) per ward, giving residents access to quality medical care closer to their homes.

Major health institutions such as the Adeoyo Maternity Hospital and LAUTECH Teaching Hospital have been upgraded and better equipped to meet modern standards. The welfare of health workers has also improved through prompt payments and incentives — enhancing morale and service delivery.

Economic Growth and Workers’ Welfare

Governor Makinde’s economic strategy blends fiscal discipline with social responsibility. His consistency in the timely payment of salaries and pensions, fondly known as “GSM Day” (every 25th of the month), has strengthened the civil service and boosted local purchasing power.

Through the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), the state has made giant strides in agriculture and agro-processing, encouraging youth participation and attracting private investment. These initiatives are steadily building a diversified and resilient economy.

Security and Stability Through Strategic Policing

Peace remains a pillar of Makinde’s administration. His proactive collaboration with federal security agencies and the establishment of the Amotekun Corps have greatly improved the security landscape across Oyo State. The peace and stability witnessed today have created an enabling environment for commerce, tourism, and community development to thrive.

Empowering the Youth for the Future

Governor Makinde’s focus on the younger generation is both deliberate and impactful. Through the Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Project (YEAP) and the Oyo State Job Portal, thousands of young people have been trained, employed, or supported to start businesses. Vocational training and empowerment programs continue to produce a new generation of skilled, independent youths driving Oyo’s economy forward.

Inclusive and Accountable Governance

Perhaps what most distinguishes Governor Makinde is his human touch. He governs with empathy, maintains open communication with the people, and ensures development reaches every corner of the state. His humility, listening ear, and consultative approach have restored faith in democratic governance and deepened the bond between the government and the governed.

Governor Seyi Makinde’s story is one of vision, consistency, and compassion. From roads to schools, from hospitals to empowerment initiatives, his policies speak the language of progress and inclusion.

He has not only sustained peace and stability but has also laid a strong foundation for sustainable growth and prosperity in Oyo State. Truly, Engr. Seyi Makinde stands as a symbol of progress and people-focused leadership — a governor whose legacy will continue to inspire generations.

Dr. Temitope Oladimeji (OTOPE), Founder, OTOPE Foundation, writes from Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency.