Golden Jubilee Celebrations: Makinde Set to Honour 17 Former Oyo Governors at Golden Jubilee Anniversary, Ondo Rolls Out Anniversary Programmes

By: Olufemi Orunsola 

The Oyo state government, under the able leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, has unveiled a series of events to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the state’s creation, including honouring no fewer than 17 past Governors of the Pace setter state.

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News recalls that Oyo state was created on February 3, 1976, after the former Western state was split into Oyo, Ogun and Ondo states during the military regime of the late Murtala Mohammed.

OTN News further reports that the Chairman of the Oyo at 50 anniversary committee, Saheed Fijabi, while speaking with journalists in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo, on Wednesday, stated that the week long celebrations would peak in the honouring of all 17 past governors of the state.

According to NAN, Fijabi said the activities, which will run for one week, are scheduled to begin on January 26 and end on February 3, when the former governors would be recognised at a gala night and dinner to be held at the Banquet Hall of the government house in Agodi.

He also added that families of deceased former governors would receive the honours on their behalf, noting that notable indigenes of Oyo who have contributed to the development of the state would also be recognised.

According to Fijabi, the opening ceremony will take place at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, where Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo, is expected to address residents.

He said cultural presentations and performances by secondary school students will also feature at the event, alongside health outreach programmes scheduled for January 27 across all LGAs of the state.

Fijabi further stressed that the outreach would target residents aged 50 and above, who would receive free medical consultations and treatment.

He added that a symposium and public lecture would be held on January 29 at the University of Ibadan.

The lecture, themed “Consolidating the legacy, navigating the present and re-imagining the future”, will be delivered by Olu Ajakaiye, an economist and executive chairman of the African Centre for Shared Development Capacity Building, Ibadan.

He said a Jumat service and a golf tournament would hold on January 30, while January 31 has been designated as Youth Day, featuring a football competition and the recognition of young innovators and change-makers in the state.

In Ogun, the Gateway State, as of the time of this publication, OTN News observes as earlier reported that the state government has only announced an open initiative made known in a statement released by the Special Adviser on Media and Strategy to Ogun State Government, Kayode AAkinmade last weekend. 

The open initiative solicits widespread citizens participation in the actualization of the government initiative, the statement reads:"Dear Esteemed Citizen, As Ogun State prepares to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its creation, the Government of Ogun State is undertaking a comprehensive initiative to document, preserve, and showcase the rich history, people, milestones, and collective memories that have shaped our dear Gateway State over the past five decades.

It further states that, "Recognising that history is best preserved not only through official records but also through the lived experiences of the people, the State Government hereby invites citizens, families, institutions, and communities to contribute materials that reflect Ogun State’s journey from its inception to the present day."

"Accordingly, we respectfully request the submission of old photographs, video clips, newspaper cuttings, memorabilia, artefacts, personal records, and other historical materials that capture significant moments, personalities, events, and everyday life in Ogun State over the years. These may include, but are not limited to:

•Early photographs of towns, markets, schools, industries, and public infrastructure

•Images or records of cultural festivals, traditional institutions, and community life

•Materials relating to notable political, social, educational, and economic milestones

•Memorabilia connected to distinguished Ogun indigenes and institutions

•Personal or family archives reflecting the evolution of life in the state

•Current photographs and video clips celebrating Ogun State today

Meanwhile, the statement assured Ogun citizens that "All contributions will be carefully curated, properly documented, and duly credited. Selected materials may be featured in exhibitions, publications, documentaries, and digital archives commemorating Ogun State @ 50. Original materials, where required, will be handled with the utmost care and returned promptly.