Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has pledged to intensify efforts in alleviating economic hardships and enhancing residents’ quality of life in 2025.
A statement by the Special Adviser (Media) to the Oyo State Governor, Sulaimon Olanrewaju said the governor made this commitment during his New Year message, broa, and reiterated it at a crossover service at the Livingspring Chapel International, Ibadan.
Governor Makinde emphasized his administration’s resolve to implement policies aimed at increasing residents’ spending power and creating an environment conducive to economic growth. Highlighting planned projects, he said, “We will focus on upgrading the Ibadan Airport, completing the first segment of the Ibadan Circular Road, and intensifying efforts in education and public enlightenment.”
The governor acknowledged the challenges faced in 2024, including inflation, economic hardship, and tragic incidents that tested the resilience of Oyo State residents. “What a year 2024 was! Our resilience as a people was tested to the limit,” he stated, referencing the Bodija market explosion and the Islamic High School stampede.
Makinde detailed the steps his administration has taken to address these issues, including signing Executive Order 001, 2024, to enhance the safe handling of hazardous materials, and providing support to victims of the Bodija explosion. “We will give even more support this 2025,” he assured.
The governor also highlighted significant economic strides made in 2024, such as attracting major investors like Africorp Consortium and Shell Nigeria Gas, completing the first phase of the state’s Independent Power Project, and initiating the second agribusiness industrial hub in Eruwa.
“These tragedies and challenges have made us reassess our strategies and policies,” he noted. “We are more determined than ever to put measures in place that will ensure such incidents do not recur while also expanding opportunities to pull our people out of poverty.”
Makinde called for continued public support, expressing optimism for the year ahead. “We look forward to a 2025 that will be a turnaround for us all. As a government, we are committed to being proactive and doing more for our people,” he said.
The governor concluded with a message of hope: “Despite the pain of the past year, we are thankful and confident that 2025 will bring prosperity. I wish everyone a Happy New Year.”
