Since assuming office as the Executive Governor of Oyo State in 2019, Governor Seyi Makinde has spearheaded a transformative administration that has touched nearly every sector of governance in the state.
His leadership has ushered in numerous initiatives that have reshaped the state’s healthcare, education, civil service, infrastructure, energy, and security sectors. Under his guidance, Oyo State has not only experienced tangible growth but has set a foundation for sustainable development in the years to come.
His remarkable achievements within the first six years of his tenure have had the same far-reaching impact as if he had been in government for six decades.
One of the standout achievements of Governor Makinde’s administration is the revitalization of the state’s healthcare system, which was in dire need of attention when he assumed office.
The governor launched a comprehensive program for the renovation and equipment of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the state. A total of 351 PHCs were earmarked for renovation, and as of March 2025, 264 have been fully equipped with modern medical tools, with work continuing on the remaining centers.
This is a major step towards ensuring that every ward in the state has access to quality healthcare services.
Furthermore, the governor has addressed the critical shortage of healthcare professionals in the state by recruiting doctors, nurses, consultants, and other essential healthcare staff.
This initiative is designed to enhance the quality of healthcare services in both primary and secondary healthcare facilities across Oyo State.
Additionally, in response to emergency medical needs, Governor Makinde inaugurated Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Plants at key hospitals like Jericho Specialist Hospital and State Hospital Oyo, ensuring that medical emergencies can be efficiently addressed.
Governor Makinde’s administration has also made remarkable strides in the education sector.
To bridge the gap in educational staff, the administration recruited 7,500 teaching staff and 500 non-teaching personnel for the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM).
At the same time, the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) recruited 7,000 primary school teachers and 100 caregivers for special schools.
This effort aimed not only to improve the quality of education but also to address youth unemployment, a priority of the administration.
A significant milestone was the successful negotiation for the sole ownership of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) by Oyo State, thus expanding the state’s control over higher education.
In line with his commitment to improving tertiary education, Governor Makinde initiated the process of converting the Emmanuel Alayande College of Education into a university of education, thus providing more opportunities for Oyo State’s youth to pursue higher education.
Moreover, the governor is championing youth empowerment through agribusiness, with over 3,300 youths trained in agriculture and agribusiness.
This move aims to reduce unemployment and promote sustainable livelihoods in the state, contributing to its economic diversification and growth.
Governor Makinde’s commitment to the welfare of the civil service has been evident from day one. Since 2019, the administration has ensured that civil servants, including local government workers and primary school teachers, receive their salaries on time, with the salary payment day (25th of every month) now popularly known as “GSM Day.”
The governor has also introduced a 13th-month salary for workers, showing a deep commitment to enhancing their welfare.
In response to the national challenges posed by the removal of fuel subsidies, Governor Makinde approved a wage award of ₦25,000 for workers and ₦15,000 for pensioners, effective from October 2023.
This decision alone increased the state’s wage bill by ₦2.2 billion, demonstrating the governor’s foresight in protecting the income of the working class.
Governor Makinde’s administration has made notable strides in addressing the welfare of pensioners, who have often been left behind in past administrations.
The monthly allocation for the payment of gratuities was doubled from ₦250 million to ₦500 million, easing the burden on retirees.
In addition, the government inherited a staggering ₦56 billion backlog of unpaid pensions and gratuities, some dating back to 2011.
Governor Makinde’s administration has already paid approximately ₦19.5 billion to address this backlog, thus restoring hope to Oyo State’s retirees.
Under Governor Makinde, Oyo State has experienced an infrastructure renaissance.
His administration has completed 335.77 kilometers of roads, with an additional 273.31 kilometers under construction.
Road projects like the reconstruction of the Moniya-Iseyin and Oyo-Iseyin roads, as well as the construction of the Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso road, have significantly improved intra-state connectivity.
These roads have not only eased the movement of people but have also facilitated trade and economic activities, boosting the local economy.
Governor Makinde’s efforts in revitalizing the Lekan Salami Sports Complex in Adamasingba, Ibadan, which hosted an international match in October 2023 for the first time in nearly 30 years, highlight his commitment to elevating the state’s sports infrastructure and global visibility.
Oyo State’s economy has witnessed steady growth, from ₦2.75 trillion in 2019 to ₦4.05 trillion in 2022, a testament to the governor’s economic vision.
His administration’s ability to attract over ₦35 billion in investments, particularly in agriculture, reflects its focus on economic diversification and industrialization.
Governor Makinde’s ambitious road development projects have greatly improved urban mobility within Ibadan and across the state.
Projects such as the ongoing rehabilitation of the Dugbe–Eleyele Road, Ojoo–UI–Sango Road, and Challenge–Orita Road are reshaping the city’s road network, reducing congestion, and making transportation more efficient.
In addition to urban roads, Governor Makinde’s administration has placed a strong emphasis on the rehabilitation of crucial bypass roads like the Secular Road, ensuring smooth traffic flow between key areas of Ibadan, which supports both commercial and residential development.
Governor Makinde’s administration has prioritized the security of Oyo State by supporting the police and other security agencies with modern equipment and resources.
The establishment and expansion of the Oyo Amotekun Corps, with additional recruits and operational vehicles, has significantly strengthened community-based security.
Regular security council meetings in every local government area, coupled with a robust emergency response system, have ensured that Oyo State remains one of the safest states in Nigeria.
The operational toll-free number 615 further facilitates timely responses to security threats.
Governor Makinde’s energy agenda has been focused on ensuring energy independence for Oyo State.
The commissioning of the 11MW Hybrid Power Plant in December 2024, which combines gas and solar energy, is a significant step toward achieving self-sufficiency in electricity.
With an eye on the future, the governor’s administration is targeting a 500MW energy goal, which could make Oyo State an energy powerhouse.
Additionally, the completion of road and transport projects under the Oyo State Road and Transport Management Agency (OYRTMA) has significantly enhanced the state’s transportation system, complementing efforts to improve connectivity and reduce traffic congestion.
Governor Makinde’s vision for transforming the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport into an international aviation hub is a game-changer for the state.
With the ongoing upgrade of the airport’s runway and the construction of a new international terminal, Governor Makinde is positioning Ibadan as a global business and tourism gateway.
Governor Seyi Makinde’s achievements in just six years in office are nothing short of extraordinary.
His administration has transformed Oyo State into a model of governance, where infrastructure, education, healthcare, workers’ welfare, and security have all received the attention they deserve.
By creating a thriving economy, laying the foundation for future growth, and ensuring the safety and well-being of its citizens, Governor Makinde’s legacy is already firmly etched in the history of Oyo State.
His performance over the last six years mirrors what many would consider the work of a leader with decades of experience, making him a super-performing governor whose impact will be felt for generations to come.
Hon. Kazim Adeyinka Adeniyi Bibire writes from Ibadan North Local Government
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