Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has declared that his administration is focused on building a legacy of lasting development rather than chasing applause or public acclaim.
He made this known on Friday while delivering the 2025 State of the State Address before lawmakers and dignitaries at the Banquet Hall in Ibadan.
The governor said his administration’s performance across critical sectors in the last one year is a reflection of purposeful governance driven by impact, not noise.
“We are not building for applause. We are building for impact. The vision remains clear—Oyo State as a regional economic powerhouse, a cultural beacon, and a place where every citizen can thrive,” Makinde stated.
He recounted some of the major achievements under his government’s four development pillars: economy, education, healthcare and security. Makinde noted that Oyo State gained recognition from the African Development Bank as Nigeria’s first Agricultural Transformation Centre through its Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub.
He said the endorsement attracted the attention of the international community, including the historic visit of Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, who became the first sitting foreign president to visit Oyo State.
The governor also mentioned the recent flag-off of the Eruwa Agribusiness Industrial Hub, a 3,000-hectare integrated project involving crop processing, livestock ranching, warehousing, agro-tourism, and residential estates.
“This is part of the Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones initiative, and we are proud to be a front-runner,” he said.
According to him, the state recently became the first subnational in Africa to be admitted into the World Union of Wholesale Markets (WUWM), following a partnership with Semmaris, a Paris-based agri-market operator, for the construction of a Rungis-style Agro-Food Market in Ijaiye, Ibadan.
He said the project will complement the ongoing Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones development, which has already received a certificate of no objection from the African Development Bank.
On infrastructure, Makinde disclosed that over 100 kilometres of feeder roads have been completed or are ongoing in the Ibadan zone, with an additional 87 kilometres under construction through the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP).
He highlighted the commissioning of the 11MW Oyo State–Elektron Independent Power Project (IPP), which now powers the Oyo State Secretariat and surrounding communities.
“For the first time in 49 years, the Secretariat enjoys 24/7 electricity supply. This is a defining moment in our journey towards energy independence,” he said.
The governor also reported the commissioning of the KAP Film Village and Resort in Igbojaiye, noting that the state is supporting the private-sector initiative with access roads, electricity and an airstrip for small aircraft.
He added that the 2025 International Tourism Summit, slated for July 24, will unveil five investment-ready tourism sites to potential investors.
In the education sector, Makinde revealed the completion of upgrades in 105 rural schools under the World Bank-supported BESDA AF-TESS programme and the ongoing renovation of 100 additional schools.
He confirmed the recruitment of over 14,000 teaching and non-teaching staff across the state, saying, “We believe the future is built in classrooms, not campaign grounds.”
On healthcare, the governor announced that more than 18,000 residents benefitted from the Omituntun Free Health Mission in 2025 alone.
He said 264 Primary Health Centres had been equipped across the state, while the ongoing upgrade of 106 more PHCs in all 33 local government areas will help extend quality care to rural communities. “Our aim is to make healthcare a right, not a privilege,” Makinde said.
He further disclosed that three LGAs—Ogo Oluwa, Irepo and Ibarapa East—had been declared free of river blindness and lymphatic filariasis. This feat, he noted, earned the state an award for Best Neglected Tropical Disease State Coordinator in Nigeria.
Speaking on security, Makinde said 480 forest rangers were recently recruited into the Oyo Amotekun Corps, bringing the total number of operatives to 2,500—the highest among South-West states. He explained that the rangers are specially trained to protect farmers, deter illegal logging and preserve economic resources in rural areas.
The governor said the first phase of the upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport would be completed by October 2025, adding that the project is a major step toward global integration.
“This airport will connect our agribusiness hubs, mineral corridors and tourism centres to the world. The foundation is firm, the evidence is visible, and the work is ongoing,” he said.
Makinde also gave assurances that parts of Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Eruwa and Oyo are now benefiting from expanded water supply coverage, another campaign promise he said has been fulfilled.
He commended commissioners, directors general, and heads of MDAs for their dedication to public service.
In his closing remarks, Governor Makinde said, “The world is watching. And posterity will judge that in our time, we chose to build a legacy.”
