Where Makinde Leads, Others Will Follow — Opinion

By Olaleye Olusegun Thomas

As a Nigerian-Canadian with deep roots in Afijio Local Government, and a former House of Representatives aspirant under the People’s Democratic Party in 2023, I have followed with keen interest the transformation of Oyo State under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde. In an era where governance is often reduced to empty rhetoric, Makinde has demonstrated that leadership can still be people-focused, strategic, and inclusive. Where he leads, others should follow.

Here is a governor who came to office with a clear agenda and has steadily delivered impactful projects that cut across all zones of the state. His government has fused vision with execution, and that is the hallmark of true governance. From infrastructure to education, healthcare, economy, and rural development, Governor Makinde’s achievements are not just measurable—they are visible, felt, and deeply appreciated by the people.

Top 10 Achievements of Governor Seyi Makinde So Far:

1. Reconstruction of the Moniya-Iseyin Road:

One of his signature projects, the 65km Moniya-Iseyin road, has reconnected Oyo zone to the rest of the state economically and socially. This road, once abandoned, has opened up commerce for farmers and traders from Afijio, Atiba, Oyo East, and Oyo West.

2. Completion of LAUTECH Sole Ownership:

Makinde’s deft negotiation secured sole ownership of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) for Oyo State. This victory ended years of confusion and ensures stable academic calendar and development for students, including many from Oyo zone.

3. Upgrade of Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs):

The administration committed to upgrading one PHC per ward. In Afijio LGA, several primary health centres have been revitalized with solar power, equipment, and medical personnel to make healthcare accessible at grassroots.

4. Massive Road Construction and Dualization Projects:

The dualization of Challenge–Odo Ona Elewe–Apata road in Ibadan and the ongoing Oyo-Iseyin and Ibadan-Iseyin roads are modern infrastructure projects that will outlive this administration. Roads within Oyo zone like the Owode–Jobele–Ilora road have also seen critical attention.

5. Free and Quality Education with Supportive Policies:

Abolishing fees in public secondary schools, providing free textbooks, and distributing school furniture are policies that have drastically reduced out-of-school children in Oyo zone. Many schools in Afijio are direct beneficiaries.

6. Expanded Agribusiness and Youth Empowerment:

Makinde launched the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), with the Fasola Agribusiness Hub located in Oyo zone. Youths from Afijio and surrounding LGAs have been trained and empowered under programs like YESSO and STEP.

7. Light-Up Oyo Project:

The installation of solar-powered streetlights in major roads, including Oyo–Ilora–Jobele axis, has boosted security and extended economic activities at night.

8. Security Architecture – Amotekun Corps:

His administration was instrumental in launching the Western Nigeria Security Network, known as Amotekun. The corps is active in rural communities across Afijio and Oyo zone, supporting local policing and reducing crime.

9. LAUTECH Iseyin Campus and Further Expansion:

With the establishment of the Faculty of Agriculture and Renewable Natural Resources in Iseyin (Oke-Ogun), Makinde not only decongested LAUTECH main campus but also created development pressure towards Afijio and its agrarian economy.

10. Workers' Welfare and Prompt Payment of Salaries:

Regular payment of salaries on the 25th of every month—what is now fondly called Oyo State’s Financial Independence Day—has boosted economic stability across the state. Afijio civil servants, teachers, and pensioners are not left out.

Afijio in Focus: Local Impact, Lasting Legacy

Makinde's government has not ignored Afijio LGA. From road rehabilitation projects like the Ilora–Jobele–Owode axis to support for local farmers through inputs and extension services, the governor has been intentional. The upgrade of health centres in Ilora, Aawe, and Jobele communities has improved maternal and child health outcomes.

Educational support to schools like Ilora Grammar School and the deployment of trained teachers through TESCOM have also strengthened learning in Afijio.

The Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub, just adjacent to Afijio, is positioning the zone as a new frontier for agricultural transformation in Oyo State. This is creating jobs, attracting investors, and elevating the status of Afijio from a rural LGA to an emerging agro-industrial corridor.

Governor Makinde is not just delivering promises—he is changing the story of governance in Nigeria. His model combines vision, data-driven decision-making, fiscal responsibility, and a human face. The people of Afijio, like others in Oyo State, are witnesses to this transformation. As someone who has campaigned among the people and understands the pulse of the grassroots, I say this with conviction: where Makinde leads, others will follow.

Hon.Olaleye Olusegun Thomas, a Nigerian-Canadian and a former House of Representatives aspirant from Afijio LGA under the PDP writes via thomasolaleye76@gmail.com on Monday July 28, 2025.