In just six years, Governor Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde has redefined governance in Oyo State, etching his name in history as a progressive leader with an uncommon dedication to the public good. Since assuming office in 2019, Makinde has embraced a vision that goes beyond political performance, one rooted in infrastructural expansion, social investment, and systemic reform. His leadership model, built on inclusivity, transparency, and evidence-based planning, has produced measurable growth across critical sectors, education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, the economy, youth empowerment, and security. What follows is a critical look into how Oyo State has changed under his stewardship. Makinde’s administration, with an audacious yet compassionate goal, to rescue the education sector from years of neglect. One of his earliest acts in office was the abolition of fees and levies in all state-owned schools, ensuring that financial constraints would no longer keep children out of classrooms. This singular policy formed the bedrock of a broader reform that has transformed Oyo’s education landscape. The state, under Makinde’s watch, embarked on a comprehensive infrastructure overhaul. Over 600 projects were completed across public primary and secondary schools, including the construction of 26 model schools and more than 130 renovated classroom blocks. Clean water and sanitation were also prioritized, with the installation of over 50 boreholes and perimeter fencing in vulnerable institutions. These developments significantly improved the learning environment for thousands of students. A critical success in this sector was the reduction of the number of out-of-school children from 272,847 to 218,278, a 20% decline. Initiatives like the World Bank-supported Better Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) program targeted vulnerable children, especially girls, bringing 54,569 back into classrooms. Tertiary education also saw relevant developments. Makinde achieved sole ownership of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) for Oyo State, a feat eluding previous administrations. He also facilitated the transformation of Emmanuel Alayande College of Education into a full-fledged university of education, giving Oyo State three operational universities. His administration reintroduced and expanded bursaries and scholarships, disbursing over ₦550 million, including ₦500,000 grants to each Law School student, marking the first such gesture in over 15 years. In the health sector, Makinde pursued a holistic strategy, improving access, expanding infrastructure, and strengthening workforce capacity. A cornerstone of his healthcare agenda was the renovation and equipping of 351 Primary Health Centres (PHCs), with 264 completed as of March 2025. This decentralized healthcare model brought essential services closer to rural communities and reduced pressure on secondary hospitals. To address the serious shortage of health personnel, his administration recruited over 1,500 medical and health workers, including doctors, nurses, and consultants. The commissioning of Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen plants at key hospitals like Jericho and State Hospital Oyo reinforced emergency preparedness, especially in critical care. Makinde’s administration also bolstered health insurance uptake, expanded maternal and child health services, and enhanced the capacity of the Oyo State Hospital Management Board, all of which led to improved health indices across the state. Makinde’s infrastructure drive has transformed Oyo’s physical landscape. Within six years, 335.77 kilometers of roads were completed, with an additional 273.31 kilometers under construction. These include economically vital arteries such as the Moniya-Iseyin, Oyo-Iseyin, and Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso roads, which now serve as lifelines for agricultural trade and mobility. In Ibadan, necessary urban roads like the Dugbe–Eleyele, Challenge–Orita, and UI–Sango roads were rehabilitated, while projects like the Secular Road bypass alleviated traffic congestion and opened up new residential and commercial corridors. Transport management also saw enhancements through the Oyo State Road and Transport Management Agency (OYRTMA), whose reforms have streamlined urban mobility and improved road safety. Under Governor Makinde’s leadership, Oyo’s economy grew from ₦2.75 trillion in 2019 to ₦4.05 trillion in 2022, reflecting a robust policy environment and an investor-friendly climate. The state attracted over ₦35 billion in private investments, particularly in agribusiness and manufacturing, positioning itself as a key player in Nigeria’s sub-national economy. The administration supported Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through business grants, loan facilities, and capacity-building programs, while industrial hubs like the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub were launched to stimulate job creation and value-chain development. Agriculture received renewed attention not merely as a rural activity but as a modern economic driver. Over 3,300 youths were trained in agribusiness under the Youth in Agribusiness (YEAP) initiative, creating a new generation of agropreneurs. Partnerships with international agencies, including the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), improved extension services and boosted productivity. Food security became a tangible objective, as the administration prioritized mechanization, input distribution, and access to markets. Projects like the Akufo Farm Estate and Eruwa Agribusiness Hub stand as evidence of the transformation underway in Oyo’s agricultural sector. He distinguished himself as a friend of workers and pensioners. From prompt payment of salaries to mass recruitment across sectors, his government demonstrated an unwavering commitment to welfare. Over 7,000 teachers were recruited through TESCOM, 5,000 through SUBEB, 3,000 non-teaching staff in schools, and 1,500 health workers joined the civil service. Beyond recruitment, the administration resolved long-standing labor injustices. Staff who were unfairly dismissed in previous regimes were reinstated, some with full promotions. Ad-hoc workers were absorbed into the mainstream civil service, including 791 civil servants and regularized OYSADEP staff. On pensions, the government inherited a ₦56 billion backlog, dating back to 2011. So far, ₦19.5 billion has been paid. Monthly allocations for gratuities doubled from ₦250 million to ₦500 million, offering elderly citizens dignity in retirement. Security in Oyo State underwent a paradigm shift with the expansion and modernization of the Oyo Amotekun Corps. Well-equipped with operational vehicles and additional personnel, the corps now works closely with traditional security agencies. The governor institutionalized regular security council meetings across local governments, strengthening local intelligence networks. A toll-free emergency number, 615, was introduced, enabling residents to report threats and emergencies in real time. These efforts have maintained Oyo State’s reputation as one of the safest in Nigeria. Also, Makinde’s energy strategy aims at independence and sustainability. The commissioning of an 11MW hybrid power plant in December 2024, powered … Read more
