As The Executive Governor of our dear State “Oyo State” , Engr. Oluwaloseyifunwa (SEYI) Abiodun Makinde marks another year today. Born on Christmas Day, his birthday offers an opportunity not merely for celebration, but for reflection on a leadership journey that has steadily reshaped governance and development in Oyo State.
Makinde’s rise in public life is rooted in professional competence and persistence. Trained as an engineer and established in the oil and gas sector before entering politics, he brought to governance a technocratic mindset, fiscal discipline, and a results-oriented approach. His early electoral losses did not deter him; rather, they underscored a resolve that eventually culminated in his election as governor in 2019 and reaffirmation by the electorate in 2023.
Since assuming office, Makinde’s administration has pursued a development agenda anchored on equity, transparency, and sustainability. Unlike governance models that concentrate projects in select urban centres, his government has prioritised even distribution of development across the state’s zones, a decision that has enhanced social inclusion and reduced long-standing infrastructural imbalances.
In the area of infrastructure, the administration has embarked on extensive road construction and rehabilitation projects across urban and rural communities. Improved road networks have enhanced mobility, facilitated trade, and stimulated local economies. This focus on connectivity reflects an understanding of infrastructure as a foundation for broader economic growth rather than a mere political statement.
Education has remained a defining pillar of the Makinde administration. The declaration of free education and consistent allocation of a significant portion of the state’s budget to the sector signal a long-term investment in human capital. Improvements in school infrastructure, teacher recruitment, and learning conditions demonstrate a policy direction that recognises education as central to social mobility and economic competitiveness.
In healthcare, the government has strengthened primary and secondary health facilities, improving access to medical services and reinforcing the state’s healthcare delivery system. These interventions, though less visible than large infrastructure projects, have had a direct impact on the wellbeing of citizens.
Perhaps one of the most strategic initiatives of the administration is the Oyo State–Shell Nigeria Gas partnership, designed to expand access to gas for industrial and domestic use. This project positions Oyo State as an emerging industrial hub and reflects a forward-looking approach to economic diversification, investment attraction, and energy security.
In the agribusiness sector, the Makinde administration has pursued policies aimed at repositioning agriculture from subsistence activity to a commercially viable and investment-driven enterprise. Through targeted support for farmers, improved access to inputs, rural road development, and partnerships with private investors, the government has sought to strengthen value chains across crop production, livestock, and agro-processing. Initiatives such as the Oyo Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and structured farm settlements have enhanced productivity, attracted youth participation, and improved food security while creating employment opportunities. This focus underscores an understanding of agriculture not only as a social safety net, but as a critical pillar of economic growth and rural development.
Beyond sectoral achievements, Governor Makinde’s leadership style has been characterised by relative openness, fiscal responsibility, and a calm approach to governance. His insistence on data-driven decision-making and institutional processes has helped stabilise governance and strengthen public confidence in the state’s administration.
As Governor Makinde celebrates his birthday, Oyo State presents a case study in how focused leadership, informed by professional experience and guided by inclusivity, can deliver measurable progress. While challenges remain—as they do in every developing polity—the trajectory of governance in the state under his leadership is one that invites objective recognition.
At 58, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde’s public service journey continues to underscore the value of perseverance, competence, and people-centred governance. His birthday is thus not only a personal milestone, but a moment to reflect on leadership as a tool for enduring development.
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