Oyo Agog with High Spirits As Seyi Makinde Sets to Address Residents at Golden Jubilee Anniversary Opening Ceremony on Monday

By: Damilare Adebesin

The ancient city of Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, is agog with a celebration mood ahead of the opening ceremony where Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde is expected to address residents on Monday, January 26, 2025, signalling the beginning of a week long lineup of activities.

OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News correspondent in Ibadan, Damilare Adebesin reports that the largest city in West Africa, known for her ancient sun-tanned brown roofs is wearing a new celebratory outlook as giant sized billboards of the Golden Jubilee Anniversary celebration bearing the "Ajise bi Oyo Laari" (We are the pacesetter state) are seen positioned in strategic locations across the city, from the Omi Adio axis, to the ever busy Dugbe area, Ring Road, Bodija, Iwo Road, Agodi area including the State Government Secretariat.

According to the Chairman of the Oyo at 50 anniversary committee, Honourable Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, 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 further revealed that the Golden Jubilee Anniversary lecture is scheduled to take place at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

Fijabi said the the Opening ceremony will kick start other activities, billed to run for one week, ending on February 3, when all 17 former governors of Oyo Statecwould be recognised at a gala night and dinner to be held at the Banquet Hall of the government house in Agodi.

He further highlighted that under the able leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde, 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.

 *Special Health Outreach/Free Medical Programme for Residents Aged 50 and Above* 

Fijabi hinted that the week long programme continues on  Tuesday 27 January, with a specialHealth Outreach Programme targeted at Oyo residents aged 50 years who would receive free medical consultations and treatments across all the 33 LGAs of the state.

He said that cultural presentations and performances by secondary school students will also feature at the event, alongside the health outreach.

 *Symposium/Public Lecture on Thursday January 29* 

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

 *Special Jumaat Prayer/Golf Tee Off on Friday, January 30* 

A special Jumat service and a golf Tee Off would hold on January 30.

 *Youth Day on Saturday, January 31* 

January 31 has been designated as Youth Day, featuring a football competition and the recognition of young innovators and change-makers in the state.

 *State Banquet/Gala and Award Night on February 3, 2026.* 

The week long celebrations would peak in the honouring of all 17 past governors of the state at a Gala and Award night on February 3, 2026.

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.