Makinde: Government Has Engaged Amotekun to Protect Varsity Staff, Students

. Unveils Oyo 50th anniversary logo

Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has assured the people of the commitment of his administration to continue to secure higher institutions in the state, disclosing that the state government has engaged members of the Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN) also known as Amotekun and other security agencies to protect staff and students of Abiola Ajimobi Technical University, Ibadan.

Makinde made the declaration at the weekend while speaking at the 2024/2025 convocation ceremonies of the university.

The event was attended by the Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Adesola Ajayi, top government functionaries, principal officers of the institution, among others.

Makinde said the state government understands the peculiarity of the location of the institution and has engaged security agencies to tackle any form of security challenges,  stating that the state has established an Amotekun base at the entrance of the institution to forestall any form of security breach in the institution.

Makinde, who was represented by his Deputy, Barrister Adebayo Lawal, maintained that the university, just like all other institutions, is facing some challenges especially in the areas of funding and infrastructure, noting that other measures being taken to tackle insecurity in the area include the erection of perimeter fencing around the institution.

Makinde said: “We have strengthened campus security through collaborations with Amotekun and other agencies to guarantee safe learning environments. Like many universities across Nigeria, Tech-U faces significant challenges, especially in funding and infrastructure. I assure you that this administration remains committed to offering the critical support needed to realize the unique vision of this university.”

The Vice Chancellor of the institution, Prof. Ajayi, in his address, said the institution is well equipped at preparing its students for future challenges, particularly to be job providers and not employment seekers, stating that the graduating students who are 183 are from different faculties and various fields of the institution.

He said: “Today, we celebrate the graduation of yet another set of vibrant, competent and industry-ready graduates who have completed their programmes in the faculties of Natural and Applied Science, Engineering and Technology, and, for the first time, Environmental Sciences and Management.”

While speaking on the scorecards of the management of the institution, Ajayi explained that new programmes have been approved by the National Universities Comission (NUC) for two additional programmes which include Nursing Science and Medical Laboratory Science, adding that new faculties and Postgraduate College have been approved by the Senate among other developments.

Meanwhiile, Governor  Makinde has unveiled the Oyo State at 50 Logo and the 50-Day Countdown to the golden jubilee anniversary of the state’s creation, stating that the Pacesetter State has witnessed remarkable progress, development and growth in the last 50 years of its creation.

The winner of the Oyo State at 50 Logo Design Competition, which was declared open a few weeks ago, Mr Ajayi Olaleye Sunday, was rewarded with N1.5million at the event, which had in attendance a former governor and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Senator Rashidi Ladoja; former deputy governor, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi; the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Ghandi Afolabi Olaoye; representative of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, other leading traditional rulers and eminent citizens of the state in attendance.

In his speech  Makinde said that there are many reasons to celebrate the golden jubilee of the state’s creation despite the current situation in the country.

He noted that the state has witnessed many landmark developments and produced men and women of excellence, who have brought glory to the state and Nigeria. He expressed his appreciation to everyone who has made one contribution or the other to the development of Oyo State over the past 50 years.

Highlighting the contributions of his administration, the governor noted that his government has done its best to ensure continuity in the development of Oyo State, citing several infrastructure development projects.

Explaining how his administration’s short term and long term approaches to governance have helped in ensuring continuity in the development of the state, the governor said he has seen to the completion of uncompleted projects from previous administrations and ensured that viable dreams of past governments became a reality once they were about the development of the state.

He mentioned how his government ensured the completion of the Saki Township Road, the construction of the Akobo Bridge and the resolution of LAUTECH ownership crisis, among others.

He equally cited how his administration’s commitment to building the Ibadan Circular Road, named after Oba Rashidi Ladoja, demonstrated how his government has turned the vision of past leaders to reality, declaring that the 32-kilometre first segment of the project will be commissioned to mark the Oyo @ 50 celebration. 

He said: “Some people may ask, what is there to celebrate in Nigeria of today, with the hardship, with the poverty around, but in spite of all of these, Oyo State has been making progress. 

“So, even if it is just those little wins, let us celebrate; let us roll out the drums for Oyo at 50, and let us look forward to another 50 years of development and growth in Oyo State.”

He added: “Since I came in 2019, government functions have been held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan or Professor Ogunlesi Hall, opposite UCH. But now, the banquet for Oyo State at 50 will be held at the new Banquet Hall we are building at the Government House.

“So, the unveiling of the Oyo State at 50 Logo and 50-Day Countdown are part of the activities to celebrate Oyo State at 50. 

“There is a lesson for all of us. If we look at the next 50 years, it means we cannot afford to take short term approach to things. It has to be short, medium, and long-term approach.

“When we came in, we decided to take a medium to long-term approach to most of the things that we met on the ground. Some people came to me and told me that the projects of the previous administration I should not touch them but start mine afresh. But we didn’t listen to all that.

“Then, some people began to say we didn’t have projects; that we were only completing the projects of the past administrations.

“For emphasis, I can mention a few of those projects. The Akobo Bridge was not there. We did not only complete it but extended the road to Olorunda-Aba. It is the same if you go to the Saki Township Road, which used to be dusty. We competed it and after that, we did Saki-Ogbooro-Igboho road. Now, we are starting the Igboho-Kisi road. 

“Also, the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Annex in Oyo, has been abandoned for over many years, now we are going to finish it. We already put some money in the 2026 budget for that.

“So, that is just a few of the things that we did to demonstrate continuity, and to equally validate the fact that Oyo State will continue to go from strength to strength.

“For the continuity of Oyo State’s development, however, I will make recommendation for the people of Oyo State on who should govern the state after us. I only have 17 months left on this seat to serve the people of Oyo State. But one assurance I can give is that Oyo State will not witness backwardness during my time and during the time of those we recommend.”

Earlier in his goodwill message, former governor of Oyo State and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, expressed his appreciation to God for witnessing the 50 years celebration of the state.

He recalled that he was in office when the 30th anniversary of the state’s creation was celebrated.

Also in their separate goodwill remarks, the former Minister of Trade, Investment and Industry, Chief Mrs Onikepo Akande; the Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Olajide Titiloye, and Chief Bayo Oyero, described Governor Makinde as a reform-minded leader who has consistently demonstrated fairness to everyone in the state irrespective of their beliefs, religion or political affiliations.

They affirmed that Oyo State under Governor Makinde has witnessed laudable developments with landmark projects that are instrumental to the growth of the state.

Giving his welcome address, the Chairman of the Oyo State @ 50 Anniversary Committee and former Member of the House of Representatives, Hon Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, said the purpose of the event is to celebrate the past, showcase the present achievements, recognise those who contributed to the growth of the state and also, articulate the bold vision for the next 50 years.

He assured the people of the state of an inclusive anniversary celebration that will be reflective of cultural exhibition, intellectual engagement, community-based activities and youth-focused programmes and will highlight unity in diversity, shared vision, collective aspirations and progress.

Fijabi called for cooperation and support to ensure peaceful, memorable and remarkable events across the state.