Oyo Govt Unveils Awards, Legacy Projects, Week-Long Activities for Oyo @ 50

By Modupe Bankole 

The Oyo State Government has unveiled a wide range of programme of activities, legacy projects, and recognitions to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the creation of the state, describing the celebration as people driven, non partisan, and focused on long-term development.

Chairman of the Oyo @ 50 Planning Committee, Honourable Saheed Akinade Fijabi, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Ibadan, announcing that the golden jubilee celebration will run from January 26 to February 3, with several activities already underway.

According to Fijabi, the anniversary will feature awards and recognitions for individuals who Oyo Govt Unveils Awards, Legacy Projects, Week-Long Activities for Oyo @ 50
 made outstanding contributions across sectors such as sports, health, arts, and other industries. He added that the state government has approved the allocation of a facility within the Secretariat to serve as an Oyo State Hall of Fame, where notable contributors to the state’s development will be permanently honoured.

“This celebration is not just about ceremonies; it is about recognising those who have helped build Oyo State over the last fifty years,” Fijabi said.

Addressing concerns about cost, Fijabi stressed that the government is committed to prudence and accountability, noting that spending decisions are being carefully managed. He also clarified that the celebration is non partisan, adding that invitations have been extended to President Bola Tinubu, political office holders, and leaders from across the country.

“This is not a political rally. It is a gathering for our state, and everyone who wishes to celebrate Oyo is welcome,” he said.

Fijabi explained that the anniversary marks the beginning of a year-long celebration, during which several legacy projects will be commissioned, with the first set scheduled for February 3, the grand finale of the programme.

He further disclosed that the celebration will feature a lecture and symposium themed “Consolidating the Legacy: Navigating the Present and Reimagining the Future,” with resource persons including Professor Ola Niyi, Professor Dipola Adewale-Yagboyaju of the University of Ibadan, and Professor Kemi Kaba, Nigeria’s first female Chief Economic Adviser to the President, among others.

Outlining the programme of events, Fijabi said activities have already commenced with a spelling bee and inter-secondary school football competitions. The opening ceremony will hold on January 26 at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, featuring cultural performances and an address by Governor Seyi Makinde.

He added that January 27 will feature a statewide health outreach across all local government areas, targeting residents aged 50 and above, while also attending to younger residents in need. The day will also include evening screenings of classic Ade Love films in Ibadan, Oyo, Iseyin, Saki, Eruwa, and Ogbomoso.

Other highlights include a carnival procession from Mapo to Adamasingba Stadium on January 28, a symposium on January 29, a Jumat service and the Governor’s Golf Tournament on January 30, and youth-focused activities at Adamasingba Stadium on January 31.

A thanksgiving church service will be held on Sunday, February 1, followed by a special programme for elderly women and persons with disabilities at Royal Park, Alakia. The First Lady will lead school outreach and women empowerment programmes on February 2.

The celebration will climax on February 3 with a gala night and awards ceremony at the Banquet Hall, Government House, where past governors and other distinguished individuals will be honoured. An air display is also planned to showcase peace and stability in the state.

On security, Fijabi assured residents that adequate security measures have been put in place, urging the public and the media to support the celebration, which he described as “a celebration by the people and for the people of Oyo State.”