*Father and Son: My Appreciation to Gov. Seyi Makinde || By Prof. Afonja*

There are moments that demand public gratitude. Today, I express heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde. Serving as Commissioner for Works and Transport in Oyo State, though brief, profoundly shaped my life and career.

I want to publicly thank him for his trust, the opportunities provided, and, most importantly, his fatherly encouragement—all of which made my service possible.

A Vision That Redefined Oyo State

Upon joining Governor Makinde’s team in 2019, I saw he was not a typical leader. His goal was clear: transform Oyo State, ensure continuity for ongoing projects, and put people above politics.

This vision wasn’t limited to concrete and steel. Governor Makinde’s philosophy was holistic: no child should be left behind; every citizen should have access to food, health care, and security. He governed with empathy, always asking, “What if this were my own child, my own family?”
Walking Into the Storm

I assumed office amid uncertainty, motivated by the governor’s trust during my short tenure. His commitment and example pushed me to rise above challenges and strive for excellence.
This article seeks to reaffirm the governor’s unwavering commitment to Oyo State and to highlight why his vision and leadership deserve our collective support.

Achievements Across All Sectors

Anyone who walks the streets of Oyo State today can see the difference. Governor Makinde’s achievements are not hidden in reports—they are visible in everyday life.

Infrastructure

Under his leadership, Oyo State has become a model for infrastructural development. The ambitious road projects connecting Ibadan to Ogbomoso, Moniya to Iseyin, and the Oyo-Iseyin road have transformed both urban and rural mobility. The completion of the Ibadan Circular Road—a project that had languished for years—is now a reality, easing traffic and linking communities. Bridges, drainage systems, and rural access roads have opened up markets and improved trade.

The state’s performance index in infrastructure, according to independent surveys, consistently ranks Oyo among the top five Nigerian states.
The Light-Up Oyo Project: Lighting the Path, Despite the Storms

One project that has drawn both attention and criticism is the Light-Up Oyo Project. Let’s tell the truth as it is. Governor Makinde has always believed that darkness fosters crime; lighting up the state, for him, was not just about aesthetics but about safety and economic activity after sunset. The ambitious Light-Up Project was built on a tripod system that combined the national grid, an inverter, gas, and solar power.

During early implementation, the governor insisted on lighting the state during festivities. COVID-19, inflation, and currency devaluation then strained resources, requiring more funds to keep the lights on.
Despite setbacks from vandalism and accidents, Governor Makinde persisted—expanding to solar solutions so no community is left in darkness. This resilience reflects his determination for completion.

Education

Governor Makinde introduced free, compulsory basic education, boosting enrollment. Investments in classrooms, teacher recruitment, and technical education raised Oyo’s education standards.
Health Care

Makinde revitalized primary health care, upgrading over 200 centers across the state. Health insurance now covers more people, with notable progress in maternal and child health. Oyo’s prompt COVID-19 response earned wide praise.
Agriculture and Food Security

Oyo’s agricultural potential is now realized through farm settlements, support for farmers, and private partnerships. Fasola Agribusiness Hub and other projects create jobs and improve food security.
Security and Social Welfare

Governor Makinde recognized that development is impossible without security. His administration established the Amotekun Corps, a locally-rooted security outfit that has helped curb crime and enhance public safety. Social welfare schemes, including support for the elderly and vulnerable, have provided a safety net for thousands of people.

Internally Generated Revenue: A New Era of Independence

A major achievement is improved internally generated revenue. Reforms and transparency reduced dependence on loans and allocations, allowing autonomous development.
Performance Index

In national rankings, Oyo State has consistently outperformed most peers. Independent policy think tanks routinely place Oyo in the top tier for transparency, infrastructure delivery, and citizen satisfaction. Compared to other state governors, Governor Makinde’s administration stands out for its blend of vision, execution, and accountability.
Leadership Beyond One Man

While Governor Makinde’s fingerprints are everywhere, he is just one man. The progress Oyo State has made is the result of teamwork and public support. He believes deeply in building institutions, not just personalities. That is why the governor’s nominations for Governorship and Deputy Governorship under the APM banner deserve our support. These are people who understand the vision, have been part of the journey, and are committed to seeing it through. Oyo State needs leaders who can continue this legacy, not take us backward.

A Father’s Love and My Gratitude

Beyond policy and politics, this is personal. Governor Makinde gave me a rare gift—a second chance to serve; a chance to be part of something bigger than myself. His fatherly love, wisdom, and steady encouragement shaped my approach to public service. For that, I am deeply grateful.
I value his trust deeply. I urge the good people of Oyo State: support the governor’s vision, trust the path we have begun, and join together in building the future our children deserve.
Thank you, Your Excellency, for believing in me—and for believing in Oyo State.