Five Years of Visionary Leadership in Oyo State - GSM Advocates

"The very essence of leadership is that you have to have a vision. It's got to be a vision that you can articulate clearly and passionately." - Theodore Hesburgh

As we mark the fifth anniversary of Governor Seyi Makinde's administration in Oyo State, it is clear that his forward-thinking leadership has catapulted the state into a shining example of transformation and advancement. Through his visionary approach, Governor Makinde has successfully turned Oyo State into a symbol of optimism and progress, paving the way for a brighter future for all citizens.

The GSM Advocates, a devoted group of supporters, take a moment to reflect on the extraordinary accomplishments of the past five years, highlighting the profound impact of Governor Makinde's intentional and directed leadership. Through their dedication and passion, they celebrate the transformative effects of his purpose-driven governance, which has left an indelible mark on the state's development and progress.

Governor Seyi Makinde's administration has made significant strides in infrastructure development in Oyo State, transforming the landscape and improving the lives of citizens. Some notable achievements include; Road Construction and Rehabilitation: Makinde's government has invested heavily in road infrastructure, reconstructing and rehabilitating major roads, such as the 76.7 km Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso Road, Reconstruction of 65 km Moniya-Ijaiye-Iseyin Road, Reconstruction of 21 km Airport-Ajia-New Ife Express Road with a spur to Amuloko, 

Dualisation of the 12.5 km Challenge-Odo Ona Elewe-Apata Road,  reconstruction of 12 km Apete-Awotan-Akufo Road into a rigid pavement road, dualisation of 9.7 km Saki Township Road, dualisation of 7.3 km Agodi Gate-Old Ife-Adegbayi Junction with a spur to Alakia Airport, Ibadan (3.3 km) .  This project includes the construction of an underpass at Onipepeye, dualisation of the 7.25 km Idi Ape-Basorun-Akobo-Odogbo Barracks Road, 

expansion of the 5.79 km Oke Adu- Beere- Mapo-Molete Road , Construction of the 5.5 km Adegbayi Junction-Bus Terminal-Iwo Road Interchange 

Reconstruction of 5.2 km Gedu-Oroki- Sabo- Asipa Road, rehabilitation of the 4.78 km Akingbile-Lagbeja-Ajibode Road,Reconstruction of the 4.15 km BCJ-Railway-Gbekuba-NIHORT Junction, Ibadan, expansion of the 4 km, Beere-Alekuso-Oritamerin-Agbeni-Ogunpa-Lebanon Street-Dugbe Road, expansion of the 3.26 km Oke Adu Junction-Agodi Gate-Idi Ape Road-Iwo Road Interchange , dualisation of the 3.2 km Ibadan Airport Road, rehabilitation of adjoining roads along the airport axis and rehabilitation of spur roads around Iwo Road Interchange including the road from Oludare to Bishop Phillips (2 km).

Also, dualisation of the 3.1 km Olorunsogo Expressway, Ibadan (ongoing)

Reconstruction of 3 km Under G-Stadium- LAUTECH-2nd Gate Road, Ogbomoso,  reconstruction of the 2.65 km Isaba-Ogundoyin Road and Lanlate Garage Junction Local Government-Eruwa Poly-Oke Ola Junction Road, Eruwa, construction/Rehabilitation of the 800m Bishop Court-Bolajoko Road (an addendum to the completed dualisation of the 7.25 km Idi Ape-Basorun-Akobo-Odogbo Barracks Road), construction of 65m General Gas Flyover, and  rehabilitation of Pastor School, Isokun Road, Oyo Town

Makinde's government has renovated and equipped hospitals, built new healthcare facilities, and established a free health mission, improving healthcare services for citizen. The administration has renovated and constructed new schools, equipped with modern facilities, enhancing the learning environment for students. Makinde's government has introduced a new bus mass transit system, improving public transportation and reducing congestion.

Governor Seyi Makinde's administration has prioritized the upgrade of security facilities in Oyo State, recognizing the importance of safety and security in fostering a conducive environment for economic growth, social development, and overall well-being. Makinde's government has upgraded security facilities, including the police command and Amotekun corps, enhancing safety and security.

He has strengthened the Amotekun corps, a regional security outfit, by providing additional resources, training, and equipment. This has enabled the corps to better respond to security challenges and maintain peace in the state.The government has invested in the development of security infrastructure, including the construction of new police stations, provision of communication gadgets, vehicles and logistics.  This has improved the presence and response times of security personnel, ensuring swift intervention in emergency situations.

Evidently, his administration remains committed to continuously improving security infrastructure and capabilities, ensuring the state remains a haven for peace and prosperity. Makinde's administration has prioritized education and healthcare, recognizing their critical role in human development. The government's investments in schools, hospitals, and healthcare facilities have yielded impressive results. The renovation and equipping of schools, the establishment of a free health mission, and the upgrade of healthcare facilities have improved the quality of life for citizens, particularly the vulnerable.

The Makinde administration has implemented initiatives aimed at empowering entrepreneurs, farmers, and artisans. The Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency, the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Development Fund, and the Youth Entrepreneurship in Agriculture Program (YEAP) have created opportunities for economic growth and job creation. These initiatives have not only enhanced productivity but also promoted self-reliance and innovation.

The 110 km Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road encircles the entirety of Ibadan and links the Ibadan-Ife Expressway and Moniya, where important infrastructure such as the Ibadan train Station, Inland Dry Port and the proposed Oluyole Free Trade Zone are located is largest investment in Oyo state in 50 years. The administration of Governor Makinde is doing everything possible to ensure that the project which is segmented into four sections;  South-East Wing (32.2km), North-East Wing (20km), North-West Wing (33km) and South-West Wing (24km) meet the deadline set for the completion.

The Ibadan Circular Road project is a strategic investment in Oyo state's economic, social, and environmental development, positioning the state for sustained growth and prosperity.  The road  will boost economic development by connecting key infrastructure, industries, and markets, enhancing trade and commerce, the road will reduce travel time, enhance traffic flow, and provide an alternative route to the busy Ibadan-Ife Expressway.

Purposeful leadership Oyo state enjoy today reveal that when the road is completed, it will boost property values and attract investments, transforming the surrounding areas into prime economic hub, it will alleviate traffic congestion in Ibadan metropolis, making commuting easier and reducing travel times,  will spur development of supporting infrastructure, such as bus terminals, pedestrian walkways, and streetlights as well as  strengthen regional connections, facilitating movement of goods, services, and people within Oyo state and neighboring states.

Governor Makinde's commitment to youth and women development has created a vibrant and empowered population, driving progress and growth in Oyo State. Governor Seyi Makinde's administration has prioritized the development and empowerment of youths and women in Oyo State, recognizing their critical role in shaping the state's future.

Governor Seyi Makinde has also demonstrated a commitment to youth inclusivity in governance by appointing young people into various positions in his administration. This move has not only given young individuals a platform to contribute to the development of Oyo State but also serves as a testament to the governor's belief in the potential and capabilities of young people. These young appointees bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and energy to the government, enabling the administration to effectively engage with and address the needs of young people in Oyo State. 

By empowering young individuals to take on leadership roles, Governor Makinde is not only building a stronger and more inclusive government but also grooming future leaders who will continue to drive progress and development in the state. Makinde's  approach has also inspired many young people in Oyo State, encouraging them to become involved in politics and public service, and demonstrating that their voices and contributions matter.

The past five years under Governor Seyi Makinde's visionary leadership have transformed Oyo State into a model of good governance, economic growth, and social progress. The GSM Advocates commend the governor's unwavering dedication to the people of Oyo State and look forward to continued development and prosperity in the years ahead.

 Bashorun Saintabey, coordinating director for GSM Advocates