It is still very fresh in the memories of the good people of Oyo State the insensitivity of the past administration who failed to prepare and be responsive by subjecting citizens to untold hardships. Workers were dehumanised, students were neglected and left to wallowing in pity, pensioners were humiliated for daring the self-acclaimed ‘constituted authority’ for demanding for their entitlements with no help forthcoming. Having said this, shirking responsibilities have become the norms as exhibited by the establishment like politicians including  public office holders.

Mahatma Gandhi’s word “in a gentle way, you can shake the world” is another subtle approach Governor Makinde has deployed in piloting the affairs of Oyo State. His laudable policies have brought succour to the people of Oyo and make them have a sigh of relief especially from the blunders of the past administration.

Additionally, I concur with Tommy Lasorda, that “the difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a man’s determination”. This statement made me believe in Governor Seyi Makinde as a rare breed who has determined to change the status quo as he would not accept the unacceptable, therefore, direct his focus and energy to the cause of improving citizens welfare.

To my amazement, despite the economic situation in Nigeria, Governor Makinde makes sure that regular payments of salaries, allowances and pension gratuities are paid promptly on or before 25th of every month compared to the past administration when civil servants were owed backlogs of outstanding salaries.

As a matter of fact, payment of civil servants’ salaries has not stopped the massive infrastructure projects that Governor Makinde embark upon in Oyo State. In reality, “the true strength of a man is in his calmness” as rightly said by Leo Tolstoy which perfectly portrayed Governor Seyi Makinde’s true character. He is truly an example of “ojúmo kan, àrà kan” meaning one day, one style, proffering viable solutions is the stuff of great minds. Problem-solving has been in his DNA.

According to Diogenes Laertius “the foundation State is the education of its youths” which Governor Makinde holds dearly to his heart. He is determined and committed to make a education is top priority by transforming Oyo State to education tourism hub in Nigeria and it is yielding positive results, moving the State from the 26th to 11th position in examination recently conducted by the West African Examination Council (WAEC). Furthermore, he made free and qualitative education his top priority where every child has access to free education which has taken over 50,000 out-of-school children off the streets in Oyo State.

He is committed to make Oyo State preferred investment destination in the country by providing an enabling business environment to attract investors. This is another way history will be kind to Governor Makinde. His transparency, accountability, probity and financial prudence and management of resources have attracted local and foreign investors to the State while his friendly policies for businesses to thrive have contributed to rapid increase in revenue generation and economic growth in the State.

Governor Makinde knows that the greatest wealth is health by providing quality and affordable healthcare for the well-being of the citizens. In keeping with his health campaign promises, Governor Makinde has focused on completing, renovating, upgrading and equipping healthcare facilities in Oyo State to world class in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs 3) to achieve universal basic health coverage for all.

The sustainable infrastructure revolution which has turned Oyo State to construction sites is unprecedented in the history of the State. Massive road constructions across the State, building gigantic global Bus Terminals as well as the proposed upgrade of Ibadan Airport to international standards are parts of projects designed to boost transportation system in the State among other numerous infrastructure projects embarked upon by his administration.

Albert Einstein says “logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.” It is obvious that

Governor Makinde as a transformational leader is equipped with the 21st century knowledge economy and innovation to identify potential of agriculture/agribusiness in the emerging economy. He knows it is time for a total revamp by using agribusiness to create job opportunities for citizens and boost the economic growth of the State. The people’s Governor has embarked on sustainable agriculture policies and programmes that rejuvenated the neglected sector that once contributed to the development of the Southwest, Nigeria as an alternative economic powerhouse to oil revenue.

With Governor Seyi Makinde’s intellectual wisdom, the security architecture of the State has been rejigged to make it safer with a clear plan of securing lives and property of the citizens. This is another way the people’s Governor has recorded monumental success in Oyo State.

Despite the hues and cries of oppositions and some unpatriotic citizens, I can boldly say, with all sense of sincerity, that Oyo State is relatively peaceful compared to other States in Nigeria as a result of programmes of action and workable policies that are being put in place for citizens to enjoy peace and prosperity. This resulted into influx of the people to the State for socio-economic activities.

Follow us here  for more public opinions.

Oyo Truth is an independent online news platform/medium reporting up-to-date events, happenings and activities related to Oyo State, Nigeria.