𝐌𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐦𝐬 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐆𝐫𝐨𝐰𝐭𝐡, 𝐉𝐨𝐛𝐬, 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐀𝐝𝐝𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has called on residents of Oyo State to remain united, law-abiding and supportive of government efforts as the state enters the year 2026, saying collective responsibility is key to building the future Oyo people desire.

The governor made the call on Thursday in his New Year broadcast, where he expressed appreciation to residents for their resilience, trust and support throughout 2025, describing the outgoing year as challenging but defining.

According to Makinde, the state government alone cannot achieve sustainable development without the cooperation of the people, stressing that productivity, peace and civic responsibility must remain shared priorities.

Reflecting on the past year, the governor said although economic pressures and national uncertainties affected families and institutions, Oyo State remained steady, with governance, democratic processes and public institutions functioning without disruption.

“We were hard pressed on every side, but we were not crushed. We were challenged, but we were not defeated,” Makinde said, noting that calm and principled leadership guided the administration’s decisions throughout 2025.

He highlighted key achievements of his administration, including the commissioning of strategic transport infrastructure in Ibadan and sustained progress on the 110-kilometre Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road project, which he described as a long-term economic corridor designed to unlock growth, attract investment and create jobs.

Makinde also said the state’s drive to shift its economy from consumption to production gained momentum through the Oyo State International Agribusiness Summit and the International Tourism Summit held in 2025. He explained that the initiatives helped reposition agriculture and tourism as structured, investment-ready sectors capable of generating employment and economic value.

On security and environmental concerns experienced during the year, the governor said his administration worked closely with security agencies and strengthened emergency preparedness to protect lives and maintain order across the state.

He added that governance under his watch continued to focus on people-centred policies, including preventive healthcare, education, youth engagement and social wellbeing. Makinde also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, noting that salaries were paid consistently on the 25th of every month, with a 13th-month salary paid in December.

Looking ahead, the governor said the signing of the 2026 Budget of Economic Expansion had laid the foundation for increased infrastructure completion, investment attraction, job creation and economic uplift in the New Year.

“2025 tested our resolve. 2026 will reward our preparation,” Makinde said, urging residents to protect the progress being made and to keep Oyo State peaceful, productive and united.

He concluded by wishing residents renewed strength, peace and prosperity in 2026, thanking them for standing firm with his administration.

“Happy New Year, and God bless Oyo State,” the governor said.