Oyo State Government has officially unveiled a comprehensive, week-long line-up of activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the creation of the state, marking five decades of political, economic and cultural evolution.
Announcing the programme at a press briefing held at the State Secretariat, Ibadan, the Chairman of the Oyo State 50th Anniversary Planning Committee and former member of the House of Representatives, Honourable Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, said the golden jubilee celebration has been carefully designed to reflect the journey of the state while projecting a bold vision for the future.
According to him, the anniversary celebration will feature a blend of religious services, cultural displays, intellectual engagements, community-based programmes and social events, aimed at celebrating Oyo State’s heritage and inspiring renewed commitment to development.
“The golden jubilee of Oyo State is not just a celebration of longevity; it is an opportunity to reflect on our collective journey, appreciate the sacrifices of our forebears, and reimagine the future of our dear state,” Akinade-Fijabi said.
He noted that the programme aligns with the developmental philosophy of Governor Seyi Makinde, stressing that the activities were curated to promote reflection, thanksgiving, unity, and forward-thinking discourse.
“Governor Seyi Makinde is particular about building on existing legacies while preparing Oyo State for the future. This anniversary programme mirrors that vision by combining thanksgiving, intellectual engagement and cultural celebration,” he added.
The celebrations, he disclosed, will officially commence on January 26 with a special address by Governor Makinde at the University of Ibadan, and will climax on February 3 with a grand dinner night where distinguished citizens and notable contributors to the growth and development of Oyo State will be honoured.
Central to the anniversary is a public lecture themed “Consolidating the Legacy, Navigating the Present, and Reimagining the Future,” which Akinade-Fijabi described as a platform for critical conversations on governance, development, and the next phase of the state’s evolution.
Other activities lined up for the week-long celebration include health outreaches across the state’s 33 local government areas, film screenings in the six geopolitical zones, a cultural carnival, symposiums, academic lectures, interdenominational religious services, sports competitions, and women empowerment programmes.
Providing historical context, Akinade-Fijabi recalled that Oyo State was created on February 3, 1976, from the old Western Region of Nigeria, with Ibadan as its administrative capital, describing the milestone as “a fitting moment to celebrate resilience, diversity and progress.”
“Fifty years on, Oyo remains a beacon of culture, education and innovation. This celebration belongs to every resident of the state, and we invite all stakeholders to be part of this historic moment,” he said.
Nigerian Tribune