Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday described 2026 as a pivotal year, noting that it would set the tone for the 2027 general elections.
Makinde made the remark at the annual Interfaith Prayer Session held to mark the commencement of the New Year in Ibadan, where he also urged residents to take security matters seriously to ensure continued peace and safety in the state.
In a statement released by his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olarenwaju, the governor cautioned residents against politicians making unrealistic promises as the political season approaches, urging them to remain discerning.
He said the performance of his administration had positioned the state for continuity, expressing confidence that a member of his team would take over in 2027 to sustain and deepen the development strides recorded under his leadership.
Makinde assured residents of his commitment to the progress of the state and the welfare of its people, highlighting achievements in workers’ welfare, including the clearance of promotion arrears inherited by his administration.
“When we came in 2019, we met promotion arrears dating back to 2016. We cleared the backlog and have ensured that promotions are done annually,” the governor said, adding that the file for the 2025 promotions had been forwarded to him for immediate approval.
On security, Makinde called on residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to security agencies, stressing that security is a collective responsibility.
He expressed concern over recent security incidents around the Old Oyo National Park, noting that some lives had been lost barely days into the new year.
“We have only spent 12 days this year and we have already lost some people. I want to urge everyone to say something when you see something, and this administration will continue to play its part to keep Oyo State safe,” he said.
The governor also disclosed that the state government was considering a review of the emoluments of Heads of Local Government Administration, expressing optimism that the issue would be resolved before the end of January.
Earlier, the Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni, commended Makinde for what she described as his consistency in delivering people-oriented governance, particularly in the areas of workers’ welfare, public service reforms and infrastructure development.
She listed achievements of the administration to include regular payment of salaries, increase in monthly gratuity from N1.5 billion to N3 billion, payment of 13th-month salaries to civil servants, retirees and NYSC members, promotions, training and retraining of workers, and improved working conditions in the civil service.
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In their goodwill messages, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Muhammed Fadeyi; the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Iyabo Yerima; and the Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde, praised the governor for his support to the legislative and judicial arms of government and for strengthening the state’s economy.
Labour leaders, including the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in the state, Kayode Martin, and the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Segun Abatan, also commended the administration for prioritising workers’ and pensioners’ welfare, warning against any reversal of the gains made under Makinde’s leadership.
The event was attended by the former governor and Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; Deputy Governor Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor Hamid Gbadamosi; former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Monsurat Sunmonu; traditional rulers, political leaders and top government functionaries across the state.