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Seventy-two journalists from various media houses across Nigeria, under the aegis of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE), visited Oyo State at the invitation of Governor Seyi Makinde to tour the state’s numerous infrastructural projects.
The visit began with a warm welcome from Governor Makinde at the Executive Chamber of the State Government in Agodi, Ibadan.
Speaking on behalf of the NGE President, Mr. Eze Anaba, Deputy President Mrs. Husseina Akila praised Makinde for his inclusive leadership, particularly his appointment of women to key positions in his administration.
The governor then led the journalists on a tour of several major infrastructural projects in the state, including the 11 megawatts alternative power project, the ongoing 110km circular road project, the Omololu Olunloyo park, and the 65km Ibadan-Iseyin road.
Regarding the circular road, Makinde announced that his administration would complete 70km of the 110km stretch by next year.
Makinde assured the journalists that by the end of his second term, his administration would provide a roadmap for sustainable development in Oyo State beyond 2027.
This plan, he said, aims to ensure continued progress for the state under future administrations.
During the tour of the 65km Ibadan-Iseyin road, the governor challenged the journalists to find any potholes, promising $1,000 to anyone who did. None of the journalists could find any potholes.
The road inspection followed last week’s commissioning of the 76.67km road linking Iseyin to Ogbomoso by President Bola Tinubu, represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, extending the state’s well-maintained road network to 142km.
At Fashola farm, the journalists walked approximately 2km, witnessing firsthand the significant agribusiness investments resulting from effective governance.
The governor’s efforts are aimed at reviving the potential of the historic Fashola farms, initially established by Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Dr. Debo Akande, Director-General of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA), noted that the state’s agribusiness model is now being implemented by the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in numerous countries worldwide.
Among the prominent journalists on the tour was Dr. Reuben Abati, an On-Air-Personality with AriseTV and a popular columnist.
He expressed his admiration for Makinde’s performance, stating he was thoroughly impressed by the governor’s achievements.
Mr. Eze Anaba, President of the Nigerian Guild of Editors, emphasised that Governor Makinde’s administration serves as a model for other state governors, encouraging the people of Oyo State to continue supporting his efforts.
Anaba also gave his remark on Makinde’s extensive reading habits, noting their shared interest in several books.
The Guild of Editors President expressed surprise at the high calibre of journalists present on the tour, highlighting the participation of notable figures such as Onuoha Ukeh, Managing Director of The Sun Newspapers; Edward Dickson, Managing Director of the Nigerian Tribune Group of Newspapers; Eniola Bello, Managing Director of ThisDay Newspapers; Victor Ifijeh, Managing Director of The Nation Newspapers; Ayo Aminu, Managing Director of New Telegraph Newspapers; Dr. Femi Adekoya, Editor of The Guardian; Dayo Oketola, Editor of The Punch; Debo Abdullahi, Editor of Nigerian Tribune; Dr. Lasisi Olagunju, Editor of Saturday Tribune; Shina Oladeinde, Editor of Sunday Tribune; Chima Obinna, Editor of ThisDay on Saturday; Tope Adeboboye, Editor of Saturday Sun; Dr. Reuben Abati, Arise News OAP and newspaper columnist; Ambrose Okoh, General Manager of Channels Television; and Babajide Otitoju of TVC.
This visit and the positive feedback from the NGE underscore Governor Makinde’s impactful leadership and progressive governance in Oyo State
