By Iyabo Adebisi
Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has called on all residents of the state to continue to cooperate with the state government, perform their civic duties and remain united so as to build the future that everyone desires for the Pacesetter State.
In a new year broadcast, Governor Makinde noted that the state government alone could not build the state, calling for continued support from residents in terms of making the state productive, lawful and peaceful in order to achieve the vision of a better and greater Oyo State.
He appreciated the residents for their resilience, trust and support in 2025, noting that though the state and its residents were hard pressed on different fronts, they were not crushed.
The governor reeled out some of the achievements of the administration in the outgone year, including the commissioning of key infrastructure projects in Ibadan and the massive progress on the 110km Ibadan Circular Road project.
He equally pointed out how the state’s commitment to moving its economy from a consumptive one to a productive economy received a major boost through the Oyo State International Agribusiness Summit and the International Tourism Summit organised in the outgone year, adding that as a result of the government’s efforts, Oyo State enjoyed relative peace amid increased insecurity across the country.
The governor said that the outgone year tested the resolve of the state, but the New Year would reward its preparations, as several efforts, including the preparation and signing of the 2026 Budget of Economic Expansion have prepared the ground for the tremendous achievements and economic uplift that will be witnessed in the state in the New Year.
Governor Makinde said further: “
“This truth guided our work in government throughout the year 2025. In times of pressure, leadership must be calm, focused, and principled. Despite political distractions and national uncertainty, Oyo State remained steady.
Our institutions continued to function. Governance did not take a back seat. We strengthened democratic processes, upheld due process in public service, and stayed committed to transparency and accountability.
“We chose consistency over noise. Systems over shortcuts. Long-term stability over short-term praise. While the year tested us, it did not stop us from building.
“In 2025, we continued to invest in infrastructure that improves daily life and supports economic activity. The commissioning of key transport infrastructure in Ibadan was not just about movement, but about dignity, order, and productivity.
“We pushed forward on the 110 km Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road as a strategic economic corridor designed to unlock growth, attract investment, and create jobs for generations to come. Some people thought they could divide us by turning this developmental project into a tool to score cheap political points. But we remained resilient and focused on leading with empathy, we listened, we acted in line with what is in the best interests of the good people of Oyo State. Under pressure, we did not abandon our development agenda.”
Makinde added, “Also in the year 2025, we took decisive steps to strengthen our productive base. Through the Oyo State International Agribusiness Summit and ongoing agribusiness initiatives, we reinforced our belief that agriculture must move beyond subsistence to structured productivity. We are building systems that connect farmers to markets, processors to supply chains, and investors to opportunities.
“Our message has been clear: Oyo State is open for serious business, grounded in planning, value creation, and long-term sustainability.
Edited by Titilayo Kupoliyi
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