Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has emphasized his administration’s commitment to building robust institutions that will sustain the state’s progress across multiple sectors.
Speaking at the inaugural stakeholders engagement on ‘Safety on Our Roads and Security in Our Neighbourhoods’, organized by the Oyo State Mobilization Agency for Socio-Economic Development (OYMASED) in Ibadan, on Wednesday – today, January 8 – Governor Makinde highlighted the importance of institutional strength in driving long-term development.
Represented by his Deputy, Bayo Lawal, the Governor noted that the hallmark of his administration would be the creation of sustainable institutions to ensure effective governance.
“Our legacy will be the institutions we create to ensure Oyo State continues to thrive well into the future,” Governor Makinde stated. “This is Oyo State, and we must make it work by focusing on building structures that address core challenges in governance and socio-economic development.”
Governor Makinde listed key institutions established under his administration, including OYMASED, the Oyo State Project Monitoring Agency, and the Rule of Law Enforcement Agency, describing OYMASED as a critical tool for addressing socio-economic issues.
Emphasizing OYMASED’s role as restoring the state’s values and improving safety and security, Makinde tasked the establishment with collaborating with the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to ensure cleaner and safer road medians.
Additionally, the Rule of Law Enforcement Agency was designed to address traffic challenges in urban and rural areas, with notable progress in junction improvements and traffic management.
Governor Makinde reiterated his government’s zero-tolerance for land-grabbing, praising the efforts of the Oyo State Anti-Land Grabbing Agency, led by Hon. Justice Aiki (rtd), at tackling illegal land acquisition, fraudulent practices, and forceful entries.
The agency, he said, represents a firm commitment to ending land-grabbing in the state and ensuring justice for citizens.
The Governor highlighted his administration’s extensive investments in infrastructure, including road networks, healthcare, school rehabilitation, and consistent salary payments to civil servants.
He, however, cautioned that infrastructure alone would not secure the state’s future without a revival of core values like honesty, hard work and respect.
“To remain a Pacesetter State, we must bring back the values that define us as Omoluabis. Infrastructural development must go hand-in-hand with a reawakening of these principles,” he stressed.
Dr. Morohunkola Thomas, Director-General of OYMASED, expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for creating the agency, describing it as a layer of protection for societal improvement.
Thomas emphasized the importance of reviving moral and cultural education to instill discipline, respect for elders, and uprightness in the younger generation, urging participants to take lessons from the engagement back to their communities, ensuring the restoration of Oyo’s lost values and contributing to a better society.
The event brought together top government officials, security agency representatives, educators, and students, marking the beginning of OYMASED’s initiative to strengthen Oyo State’s socio-economic fabric and preserve its legacy.
