Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has emphasized that the decision regarding the state’s next governor will rest solely with its residents. The governor made this declaration in his bi-monthly newsletter, highlighting that while his administration has redefined governance and demonstrated what strategic thinking and targeted implementation can achieve, some citizens have expressed concerns about the continuity of these efforts under future leadership.
In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Governor Makinde assured residents that they would determine the state’s future by electing his successor. However, he pledged to publicly endorse a candidate who aligns with his vision for sustainable development and transformation in Oyo State.
The governor also noted that with over two years remaining in his tenure, residents can expect more progress in key areas such as infrastructure development, tourism, agribusiness, and solid minerals. These initiatives, he said, are aimed at further boosting the state’s economy.
Governor Makinde referenced the recent visit of Sierra Leone’s President, Dr. Julius Maada Bio, to the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub as evidence of Oyo State’s growing international recognition for its agricultural advancements. He explained that the state’s reliance on data, science, and logic has driven significant achievements in agribusiness, prompting President Bio to invite him to Sierra Leone for further discussions on agricultural collaboration.
The governor also addressed the state’s tractorization policy, revealing that only 5% of its objectives were met in 2024 due to bureaucratic challenges. To improve this, the government plans to streamline processes and enhance communication with farmers. The policy aims to subsidize ploughing costs by 50% for farmers, with a target of cultivating 120,000 hectares of farmland.
Governor Makinde stated, “This has been an exciting week for Oyo State, as we’ve received international recognition for our agricultural efforts. When we began this journey over five years ago, our focus was not on accolades but on using data, science, and logic to lift our people out of poverty through agribusiness. We’ve taken a less conventional approach, collaborating with the private sector to support smallholder farmers instead of purchasing tractors that may not be sustainable. While we’ve achieved only a 5% success rate so far, we are committed to improving this by enhancing communication and removing bureaucratic obstacles.”
The governor’s remarks underscore his administration’s commitment to innovative and data-driven policies aimed at fostering economic growth and improving the livelihoods of Oyo State residents.
