The committee in charge of the 50th anniversary of the creation of Oyo State has released a schedule of events to commemorate the golden jubilee.
Chairman of the committee, Hon. Saheed Akinade‑Fijabi, who unveiled the programmes lined up for the event at a press conference held at the Secretariat on Wednesday, announced that all 17 past governors who have served the state will be honoured for their service.
The chairman, who is a former House of Representatives member, disclosed that a week‑long series of activities will begin on January 26 with Governor Engr. Seyi Makinde’s address at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, and will conclude on February 3 with a dinner at the newly constructed Banquet Hall, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, to honor distinguished citizens and contributors to the state’s development.
Also in the programme lined up are mosque and church services, a walk and cultural exhibitions, lectures, a symposium, and award presentations.
Hon. Akinade‑Fijabi said the theme of the celebration is ‘Consolidating the Legacy, Navigating the Present and Re‑emerging the Future,’ adding that scholars will deliver lectures during the symposium at the International Conference Centre, UI, Ibadan.
He noted that the golden jubilee programme is designed to combine reflection, thanksgiving, intellectual engagement, and cultural celebration, in line with Governor Makinde’s future‑driven vision.
Other activities embedded in the programmes include health outreach across the 33 local government areas, film shows in the six geo‑political zones, football and golf competitions, and an empowerment program for the aged and women.
Akinade-Fijabi noted that all 17 past governors will be honoured at the grand finale on February 3, alongside other prominent individuals who have contributed to the state’s development over the past 50 years.
He added that youths who are making the state proud in their respective professions will also be recognised at Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, where the football competition final organized to commemorate the golden jubilee celebration will take place.
Fijabi assured citizens and residents of Oyo State that adequate security measures will be put in place for everyone’s safety.
Oyo State was created on February 3, 1976, from the former Western Region of Nigeria, with Ibadan as its administrative capital.
Packaged by Adekunle Adegboyega
