The family of the late founder of PUNCH Nigeria Limited and Publisher of PUNCH Newspapers, Olu Aboderin; former Minister of Industry, Chief Onikepo Akande; and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, were among 74 eminent indigenes honoured as activities marking the 50th anniversary of Oyo State reached their climax in Ibadan on Tuesday.
The awards ceremony took place at the newly built Banquet Hall, Government House, Ibadan, and attracted a large audience, including at least 17 former military administrators and civilian governors of the state.
At the event, the late Aboderin received the Media Icon Award, while Akande was presented with the Merit Award of Excellence.
In his address, Governor Seyi Makinde reflected on his personal experience with the free education policy introduced under the late Chief Bola Ige, describing it as a cornerstone of Oyo State’s legacy.
He said, “I went to secondary school under Chief Bola Ige’s administration, from 1980 to 1985. That period laid the foundation for who I later became. That is Oyo State, the beauty of what we are celebrating today. I am a product of free education in this state.”
Makinde said the state had evolved through different political eras, including military rule and the return to democratic governance in 1999, a period he said was marked by efforts to rebuild institutions and strengthen governance structures.
“Infrastructure renewal, security reforms and urban modernisation later became defining priorities, helping the state overcome periods of tension and institutional testing.
“Today, we are building on all that has come before, delivering long-term, system-driven infrastructure, transport reforms and economic projects that will be commissioned throughout this anniversary year. Some people may think Oyo at 50 is the end of the story, but this is just the beginning,” he said.
The governor disclosed that anniversary activities would continue throughout the year, with the commissioning of major projects such as the upgraded Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, now an international facility, and sections of the Rashidi Ladoja Circular Road.
“Within the first quarter of this year, before the end of March 2026, the first segment of the circular road will be commissioned,” he said.
Makinde also revealed plans to enhance security and transportation through the procurement of surveillance aircraft and modern electric buses, stressing the importance of sustainable development.
“Development is not a spectacle; it is a system. Systems endure when they are designed for people, not for optics or politics.”
Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described the anniversary as a landmark moment and praised Makinde’s leadership.
“I have seen the progress of Oyo over these 50 years, and I must say that you have a hardworking governor. The giant strides we are seeing today (Tuesday) are real,” he said.
He commended the administration’s investments in education and urban renewal, noting the city’s renewed prominence.
“The Ibadan we knew during the First Republic was number one, and Governor Makinde has brought the city back to its former glory.
“The celebration is not about one government or political party but about the collective journey of the state. We are celebrating a living state, its people, resilience, growth and future,” he added.
Earlier in the day, roads leading to the venue were temporarily blocked, causing traffic disruptions, while residents witnessed an aerial display by three aircraft that flew over the city for nearly 30 minutes to mark the anniversary.
The ceremony formed part of a broader lineup of cultural, social and developmental activities commemorating the state’s creation in February 1976.
Recipients of the Merit Award of Excellence included Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Chief Priscilla Kuye; former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola (retd); late Prof. Felicia Adebola Adeyoyin; Prof. Toyin Falola; Alhaji Sikiru Ayinde Barrister; Archdeacon Emmanuel Oladipo Alayande; Alhaji Abdul-Azeez Arisekola Alao; late Mr Taiwo Akinkunmi; Prof. Bolanle Awe; late Chief (Mrs) Aminat Abiodun; Chief Bode Amoo, among others.
Dignitaries present included Chairman of PUNCH Nigeria Limited, Mrs Angela Emuwa; former governors Ibrahim Shekarau, Udom Emmanuel and Lucky Igbinedion; former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP (South), Chief Bode George; veteran musician Chief Ebenezer Obey; and singer Abolore Adegbola, popularly known as 9ice.
Reports states that Makinde formally inaugurated the 50th anniversary celebrations on Monday, January 26, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, with a series of events lined up to reflect on the state’s past achievements and future aspirations.
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