Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has officially declared the year 2026 as a decisive period for the state's future, calling on citizens to exercise heightened vigilance and collective responsibility, particularly regarding security and political engagement.
A Call for Collective Security and Political Discernment
The governor made these declarations on Monday, January 12, 2026, while addressing attendees at the annual Interfaith Prayer Session marking the start of the New Year. He emphasized that the period leading to the 2027 general elections demands caution and wisdom from every resident.
Makinde specifically warned the populace to be wary of political aspirants who might make extravagant and unrealistic promises in the coming months. He expressed strong confidence that a successor from his own political team would emerge in 2027 to continue and expand the development programmes initiated since he took office in 2019.
Security: A Shared Responsibility
On the critical issue of security, Governor Makinde stressed that safeguarding the state is not solely the government's duty. He pointed to a tragic incident around the Old Oyo National Park, where lives were lost barely days into the new year, as a stark reminder of the need for constant alertness.
"Security is everybody’s responsibility. If you see something, say something to the appropriate authorities," the governor urged. He encouraged residents to spread this message of vigilance within their families and communities across Oyo State, while reaffirming his administration's commitment to maintaining peace and safety.
Advancing Workers' Welfare and Service Reforms
Governor Makinde used the occasion to reiterate his government's focus on public service reforms and the welfare of workers. He recalled inheriting a backlog of promotion arrears dating back to 2016 upon assuming office, which meant civil servants had gone three years without promotions.
His administration cleared that backlog and reinstated annual promotions. Makinde announced that the promotion exercise for 2025 has already been submitted to him for approval, promising to sign it without delay. He further disclosed that a review of the emoluments for Heads of Local Government Administration is being finalized and will be concluded before the end of January 2026.
In her welcome address, the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, commended the governor's people-centred leadership. She listed key achievements including:
- Regular and timely payment of salaries and pensions.
- Increase in monthly gratuity payment from ₦1.5 billion to ₦3 billion.
- Payment of the 13th-month salary to civil servants, retirees, and NYSC members.
- Continuous staff training and a review of the Civil Service Rules.
The event attracted a high-profile gathering, including the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja; the Alaafin of Oyo; senior government officials; lawmakers; religious leaders; and representatives of labour unions, who all echoed praises for the governor's worker-friendly and infrastructural development policies.
