Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, has attributed the development and progress recorded in the state over the five decades since its creation to the mercy of Allah and the collective efforts of the people of the state.
The governor made this known through his deputy, Chief Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal, on Friday at a special Jumat service held to commemorate Oyo @ 50 at the Central Mosque, Oja’ba, Ibadan.
He added that the significant milestone provides an opportunity for thanksgiving, renewed commitment to good governance and supplication for more progress, peaceful coexistence and growth in Oyo State.
In his goodwill message, the senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Senator Sarafadeen Alli, congratulated the people of Oyo State on the celebration of 50 years since its creation and prayed for more blessings for the state.
In his sermon during the thanksgiving Jumat service, the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheikh AbdulGaniy Abubakry Agbotomokekere, commended Governor Makinde for celebrating the golden jubilee of the state and for his religious tolerance, which he said has contributed to the success of his administration.
He prayed for continued peace, harmony and development in the state and also offered prayers for both present and past leaders who have contributed to the advancement of Oyo State.
Also speaking, the chairman of the Oyo State @ 50 Anniversary Committee and two-term member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, thanked the people of the state for their support and called for greater commitment to the anniversary celebrations.
The Jumat service was attended by former governor of the state and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja; former deputy governor, Mr. Hamid Gbadamosi; Deputy Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Mohammed Fadeyi; Secretary to the State Government, Professor Musibau Babatunde; and Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Kazeem Adeniyi.
The Commissioner for Works and Transport, Hon. Abdulmojeed Mogbonjubola; Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Prof. Solihu Adelabu; Chairman, Oyo State Civil Service Commission, Alhaji Kamorudeen Aderibigbe; Chief Nureni Akanbi, Prof. Kamil Oloso, Hon. Sikiru Sanda, Permanent Secretaries and other top government functionaries were also in attendance.
