Makinde highlights economic transformation, education reforms, and healthcare gains in 2025 State of the State address

Summary

• Oyo State becomes first subnational in Africa to join World Union of Wholesale Markets
• Over 100 kilometres of feeder roads completed in Ibadan to boost logistics and trade
• 14,000 new staff recruited into education sector as rural schools undergo major upgrades
• 264 primary healthcare centres equipped, 18,000 residents benefit from free health mission

Ibadan — Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State on Friday, 20 June 2025, delivered his annual State of the State address before the State House of Assembly, outlining a comprehensive progress report centred on economic growth, educational reform, improved healthcare, and strengthened security.

Speaking with a tone of pride and purpose, Governor Makinde said his administration’s development blueprint — the Oyo State Roadmap for Sustainable Development 2023-2027 — had yielded tangible outcomes across the state. “We are not building for applause. We are building for impact,” he declared.

Economic growth through agribusiness, power, tourism, and connectivity

A major highlight of the address was the Governor’s report on Oyo State’s rising profile as a leading investment destination in West Africa. He announced that the Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub had been redesignated as Nigeria’s first Agricultural Transformation Centre by the African Development Bank (AfDB), attracting global attention including a visit by President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone.

To complement this, Governor Makinde flagged off the Oyo State Agribusiness Transformation Centre, Eruwa, a 3,000-hectare multi-use development under the AfDB’s Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zones (SAPZ) programme.

In another historic first, Oyo became the first subnational in Africa to join the World Union of Wholesale Markets, following a deal with French agri-market operator Semmaris to build Nigeria’s first Rungis-style wholesale agro-food market in Ijaiye, Ibadan.

Infrastructure was also a key area of focus, with the Governor announcing the completion and ongoing work on over 100 kilometres of feeder roads in Ibadan and 87 kilometres of rural roads statewide under the RAAMP programme. These efforts aim to reduce travel time and improve market access.

Energy-wise, Oyo State took a bold leap toward independence with the commissioning of the 11MW Independent Power Project (IPP) in December 2024, which now powers the State Secretariat and nearby communities 24/7, a first in the state’s history.

Tourism development featured prominently, especially with the KAP Film Village and Resort in Igbojaiye. Governor Makinde pledged support through road access, power supply, and an airstrip to boost creative and cultural tourism. He also invited stakeholders to the upcoming Oyo State International Tourism Summit scheduled for 24 July 2025.

The Governor rounded off the economic section by affirming that the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport upgrade, which includes a new fire truck, improved lounge, and a concessioned aviation fuel facility, will link the state’s agribusiness and tourism assets to global markets.

Massive investments in education infrastructure and personnel

On education, the Governor highlighted the completion of classroom upgrades in www 105 rural schools under the World Bank-supported BESDA AF-TESS programme. A further 100 schools are now being renovated, with 36 already underway.

To bridge the human resource gap in public education, the state recruited over 14,000 new teaching and non-teaching staff, while pushing for curriculum alignment, teacher motivation, and digital learning innovations.

Expanding healthcare access and fighting neglected diseases

Healthcare delivery also received a boost with the continuation of the Omituntun Free Health Mission, through which 18,000 residents accessed free medical care this year alone.

Governor Makinde announced the upgrade and equipping of 264 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), with 106 more PHCs currently under renovation. He also noted gains in the fight against neglected tropical diseases, with three LGAs declared free of onchocerciasis and lymphatic filariasis, earning Oyo State national recognition.

Strengthening security and rural protection

On security, the Governor reported the recruitment of 480 new Forest Rangers into the Oyo State Amotekun Corps, bringing the total to 2,500 — the highest and best-paid in the South-West region. The rangers are deployed to protect rural areas and forests from banditry, illegal logging, and insecurity.

Support for federal security agencies continued, with the provision of over 50 operational vehicles fitted with communication gadgets to enhance rapid response.

Governor Makinde also confirmed ongoing efforts to improve access to clean water in parts of Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Eruwa, and Oyo.

A vision for legacy, not applause

The Governor concluded by thanking public servants and reiterating his administration’s commitment to building “a regional economic powerhouse” where every citizen can thrive.

“The world is watching. And posterity will judge that, in our time, we chose to build a legacy,” he said.