Hon. Abiodun Babalola, PhD, Member representing Ibadan North East Constituency 1 in the Oyo State House of Assembly, on Monday joined his principal, the Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, GSSRS, D.Sc, FNSE, the Rt. Hon. Speaker, and other members of the House to mark the 50th anniversary of Oyo State.
The lawmaker made this known in a message shared on his official Facebook page, where he described Oyo State as a historic pillar of Nigeria’s political, cultural, and intellectual development. He noted that the state, created in 1976 from the old Western Region, represents a unique blend of ancient authority and modern governance, sustained by strong traditional institutions and vibrant cities such as Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Oyo, and the Oke-Ogun axis.
According to Hon. Babalola, Oyo State has produced influential leaders, scholars, and reformers and has maintained its status as a major educational hub in Nigeria. He added that the state continues to experience renewal through reforms in infrastructure, security, agriculture, and civic life.
He further highlighted several notable Nigerian “firsts” associated with the state, including Africa’s first television station, Western Nigeria Television (WNTV) in Ibadan; Nigeria’s first university, the University of Ibadan; the country’s first skyscraper, Cocoa House; and the first stadium, Liberty Stadium. He also recalled the Western Region’s pioneering free primary education initiative and early models of modern regional governance and public service reforms.
“These milestones underscore Oyo State’s significant role in shaping Nigeria’s modern history and national identity,” the lawmaker stated.
Hon. Babalola concluded by expressing optimism about the future of the state and the nation, saying, “Long live Oyo State. Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
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