Nigeria Needs A Reset, And Seyi Makinde Is Faithful And Prepared To Lead It

The Deputy Director of foremost socio-political group, GSM Advocates, Bashorun Saintabey, has said Nigeria is at a defining moment that requires a total reset, and that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State is faithful enough and well prepared to lead that process.

Speaking on Sunday in Ibadan during special event attended by Spectra Team from Ogun, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti and Lagos which was hosted by Oyo State, Saintabey said the country’s challenges in security, economy, education, health and infrastructure have gone beyond promises and now require leadership with a proven record of delivery. He argued that what Makinde has achieved in Oyo State in the last six years provides a clear template for real nation building that can be scaled to the national level.

According to him, the Makinde administration has demonstrated that governance can work when it is deliberate, data-driven and people-centered. In infrastructure, the government completed the 65km Moniya-Iseyin Road, commenced work on the 110km Ibadan Circular Road, and delivered interchanges at Challenge, Mokola and Gate. Thirteen major roads were also constructed or rehabilitated across the three senatorial districts, while markets were remodeled to support trade. Saintabey said these projects opened up the economy, reduced travel time, and connected farmers directly to markets, the same approach he believes Nigeria needs to fix its national logistics and transportation crisis.

In education, Saintabey noted the declaration of free and qualitative education, the employment of over 20,000 teachers and 600 education officers, and the rehabilitation of hundreds of public schools across the state. The resolution of the LAUTECH ownership crisis and the repositioning of the institution were also cited as examples of decisive leadership. He said investing in teachers and classrooms is investing in the future, and that is the kind of intentionality Nigeria needs to reset its education sector.

On health, the GSM Advocates leader pointed to the upgrade and equipping of 209 primary health care centers, one in each ward, the recruitment of health workers, and the expansion of the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency to cover vulnerable populations. He said taking healthcare to the grassroots changed the narrative in Oyo and proved that universal health coverage is possible with political will.

Saintabey also referenced security as a major area of impact. He said the establishment and funding of the Amotekun Corps, the procurement of 100 patrol vehicles, other well equipped pick up vehicles and 1,500 motorcycles for security agencies, and the recent procurement of two helicopters for aerial surveillance have redefined security architecture in the state. He described the acquisition of the helicopters as symbolic in Nigeria, because it is the first time a sub-national government is taking such bold steps to support aerial surveillance and rapid response. According to him, the move has improved intelligence gathering, shortened response time to distress calls, and restored confidence in communities. Farmers returned to their farms and businesses stayed open, he said, adding that a nation that cannot secure its people cannot develop.

In agriculture and the economy, he highlighted the revamp of the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub, support for over 6,000 farmers with inputs and mechanization, and the push to position Oyo as a logistics hub for the South-West. He also mentioned the digitization of land administration, support for MSMEs, and consistent growth in internally generated revenue as signs of economic discipline.

On governance, Saintabey said Makinde has led with transparency, regular payment of salaries and pensions, and deliberate inclusion of youths in government. He described the governor as accessible, accountable and faithful to his promises.

Nigeria needs a reset, Saintabey said, a reset of values, systems and service delivery. We need someone who has done it before, someone who is faithful to the people and prepared for the task. Seyi Makinde is faithful enough and well prepared to reset Nigeria. The template is already in Oyo. Scale it to Abuja, and you will see a Nigeria that works for all, he stated.

He urged Nigerians to look beyond party and sentiments and support leaders with verifiable track records, stressing that all Seyi Makinde’s achievements in Oyo State should be used as a good template for real nation building.

Bashorun Saintabey is an author, researcher, and public intellectual. His work examines the intersection of governance, values, and community development in the African context. With a voice rooted in history yet focused on the future, he writes to challenge perspectives, document societal truths, and equip readers with practical wisdom for leadership and personal growth.