I commend well-meaning citizens of Oyo State who have been praising Governor Makinde led administration for his forward thinking and actions being taken regarding security architecture in the State. But it would be an attractive idea to have a peace talk initiative with all the security stakeholders to find a long-term solution to insecurity in the Pacesetter State as a model for the country.

In addition, Governor Makinde’s  politics of youth inclusion made it possible for him to engage the vibrant and dynamics young people that form the larger population in the scheme of things in Oyo State. Ministry of youth and sports development engage youths with entrepreneurship skills to alleviate poverty and generate jobs aimed at developing youths towards contributing to the economic growth of the State.

It is worthy of note that Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan was renovated recently to boost economy, mental and physical well-being of the youths in Oyo State. Governor Makinde’s courage took ‘the road less travelled’ to make the project a huge success. It is incredible to see that the same stadium some Government detractors  tagged “swimming pool” has been recognised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and will be hosting some Super Eagles future home matches.

Governor Makinde recently launched first of its kind Independent Power Project (IPP), an 11MW hybrid power solution to provide electricity to the State Government, and some of its facilities within the State Secretariat, Agodi and its environs marked an epoch in the history of Oyo State.

The 11MW hybrid solution which comprised gas-fired power generation and 1MW PV solar solution based on a “Build-Operate-Transfer” Model is a ‘miracle electricity power’ that will serve 12 healthcare facilities including State Hospital Adeoyo, Ring Road Maternity Hospital, Lekan Salami Sports Complex, the judicial complex at Iyaganku and Ring Road, the State House of Assembly and a selection of schools within a defined catchment from the generating plant at the Secretariat. The IPP project will also power not less than 10km radius of public lighting under the ‘Light Up Oyo’ project in the State.

It is pertinent to note that good governance is not a rocket science and that true governance arises from the need to bridge the trust gap between the leaders and the citizens. However, most of our leaders do not match their words with actions. Governor Makinde has been fulfilling his campaign promises by executing landmark developmental projects in every zones that will stand the test of time.

The ‘Star Boy’ as he is popularly called has embarked on many unprecedented reforms in education, health, economy, civil service, anti-corruption to mention but a few have boosted the image of the State. The State and its people are living the true dream of “asíwájú ni wá” meaning we are the Pacesetters, the slogan Oyo State is known for among the comity of the States. His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde is one of the greatest leader indeed that the State has ever produced who has remarkably made outstanding contributions in the transformation and advancement of the State.