By Adeyinka Adeniran
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has described the current year, 2026, as pivotal, being the prelude to 2027, when general elections will hold.
The governor, who said this on Monday during the annual Interfaith Prayer Session to commemorate the commencement of the New Year, also called on the residents of the state to take security matters seriously to ensure that the state remains safe.
Governor Makinde said as the political season draws close, the people of the state should be wary of candidates who would be making unrealistic promises, noting that following the impressive performance of his administration, residents should look forward to a member of his team taking over from him to steer the ship of the state to greater development in 2027.
Makinde promised to continue to work for the progress of the state, while ensuring the wellbeing of the people.
The governor said, “When we came in 2019, we met the 2016 promotion arrears, meaning that for three years, there was no promotion before we were sworn-in. We cleared all of the backlogs and ensured we meet up every year.
“The file for the 2025 promotion has been sent to me, and I will sign it today. So, those of you who are due for promotion, rest assured you will get it soon.”
Speaking on the imperative of residents remaining watchful and vigilant to ensure security, peace, and order in the state, the governor tasked residents to always say something to the authority once they notice suspicious activities.
He added: “I want us to be vigilant on the issue of security. We have only spent 12 days this year, and we have lost some people already at Old Oyo National Park.
“Security is everybody’s responsibility, and I want to urge that you should say something to the authority when you see something.
“I believe we all have our people scattered everywhere. Try to encourage them to take the issue of security very seriously, and I can assure you that this administration will play its own part to keep us safe and secure.”
The governor also said that the review of emoluments for Heads of Local Government Administration was being looked into, expressing the hope that the matter would be laid to rest before the end of January.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, appreciated Governor Makinde for his steadfastness and consistency in delivering people-centred development programmes across the state, stressing that his administration is anchored on the timeless principle of good governance and accountability.
She equally lauded the governor for his commitment to the welfare and development of the public and civil service through regular salary payments, increment of monthly gratuity from N1.5billion to N3billion, payment of 13th month salaries to civil servants, retirees and NYSC members serving in the state, training and retraining both locally and internationally; the review of the Civil Service Rules, consistent support for the Public Service Week and annual merit award programmes; provision of free transportation for workers; unprecedented appointment of 45 Permanent Secretaries and allocation of status vehicles to them, promotion of staff, approval of conversion for civil servants into relevant cadres, on going reconstruction of the Head of Service Quarters, and construction of a 250-seater Resource Centre at Simeon Adebo Development Centre, among others.
Mrs Oni also thanked the Labour union leaders and other stakeholders for their support and commitment towards a stable and peaceful atmosphere, which has culminated in industrial harmony being witnessed in the state.
In his goodwill message, the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adebo Ogundoyin, represented by the Deputy Speaker, Rt Hon Muhammed Fadeyi, commended the governor for his worker-friendly policies, unwavering support to the legislative arms of government, recruitment of staff for the state House of Assembly Commission and infrastructure development witnessed across the state under his administration.
Also, the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Hon. Justice Iyabo Yerima, expressed gratitude to the governor for his dedication to the judiciary, while the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Musibau Babatunde, lauded the governor for transforming the economy of the state and for laying a foundation for sustainable development through the increase in the yearly budget performance.
In the same vein, the Oyo State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Kayode Martin, who spoke on behalf of other Labour unions, said the Labour Centres would not accept any regression in workers’ welfare as Governor Seyi Makinde had set the standard for the next administration in the state.
He commended the Governor Makinde-led administration for prompt payment of workers’ salaries, payment of pensions and gratuity, promotion of workers, and welfarism.
The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Comrade Segun Abatan, also appreciated the governor on behalf of the retirees for the new year bonus and other benefits given to them.
The NUP, thereafter, presented a white horse to the governor, stating that the gesture was to appreciate his administration’s commitment to the welfare of pensioners in the last six years and some months.
