Activities marking the 50th anniversary of Oyo State’s creation kick off on Monday with an opening ceremony at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
According to the anniversary committee chaired by Honourable Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, is expected to deliver the welcome address at the ceremony, which will showcase drum performances, a documentary on the state’s journey, goodwill messages, and a poetry session.
Oyo State came into existence on February 3, 1976, under the administration of the late General Murtala Muhammed.
The celebration continues on Tuesday with activities across the state’s 33 Local Government Areas, featuring a statewide medical outreach and an open-air film show.
While the medical outreach will span the state, the film show—anchored by Kunle Afolayan—will hold at the Cultural Centre, Mokola, Ibadan; Oyo Town Hall, Oyo; Ogbomoso Township Stadium, Ogbomoso; Eruwa Grammar School, Eruwa; Saki Town Hall; and Iseyin District Grammar School, Iseyin.
On Wednesday, residents will flood the streets for a Carnival and Local Government Parade, moving from the historic Mapo Hall to the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, dressed in Oyo at 50 ankara.
The event will also feature a march-past at the stadium, where the governor is expected to address participants.
Further highlights include the Oyo at 50 Symposium on Thursday at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, with Professor Olu Ajakaiye as Lead Discussant, alongside an exhibition of arts and artifacts, and a fashion runway and miming display.
The celebrations will gather momentum with a Golf Tee-off on Friday, a Concert and Youth Gathering on Saturday, and the presentation of educational materials on Monday.
The anniversary will climax on Tuesday, February 3, with a grand closing ceremony featuring a cocktail, an airshow, and an award dinner.
Former governors, outstanding indigenes, and residents will receive merit awards and induction into the Oyo State Hall of Fame.
The airshow will continue on February 4.
Tribune/Taiwo Akinola/Maxwell Oyekunle
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