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The sun that rises today illuminates half a century of resilience, brilliance, and the indomitable spirit of the Pacesetter State. The commemoration of Oyo @ 50 is a celebration of a golden milestone for a land that has historically served as the intellectual and political heartbeat of the Western Region. From the majesty of the ancient Oyo Empire to the sophistication of Ibadan as the premier administrative headquarters of the Southwest, our state has always been the laboratory of progressive politics and the vanguard of Nigerian democracy.
We remember, very clearly as the daylight, the many landmark struggles—from the agitation for independence to the fierce defense of the June 12 mandate—and we honour the giants and pioneers like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Chief Bola Ige, Alhaji Lam Adesina, among others, whose visionary leadership laid the foundation upon which we stand today.
Our identity is woven from a distinct cultural fabric that commands reverence across the globe. We are the custodians of the Talking Drum, the home of the first skyscraper in Africa (Cocoa House), and the seat of the prestigious first university, the University of Ibadan. This anniversary also allows us to reflect on our expansive history, recalling how Osun State was birthed from our loins in 1991—a distinct affirmation to our role as a progenitor of progress. Yet, as we celebrate how far we have come, we must be sobered by how far we still have to go.
Ideologically, governance must transcend mere administration; it must be a sacred pact of “Quality over Mediocrity,” guided by the philosophy of Omoluabi—integrity, competence, and a relentless drive for innovation that restores our state to its rightful place as the economic hub of the sub-region.
The survival and vibrancy of Oyo State over these five decades are credited to the true heroes: the civil servants, the artisans, the farmers, and the resilient citizens who are the backbone of our economy. Maybe we make reference to the many bustling market places of Ibadan and its histories, the royal traditions of Oyo, industrial potential of Ogbomoso, the agricultural vastness of Oke-Ogun, or the untapped wonders of Ibarapa, every geopolitical zone contributes a unique strength to our collective heritage. It is the collective dream of every indigene and resident to see an era where our infrastructure matches our intellect, and our social services reflect our status as “Pacesetters.” This is the dream that fuels my own commitment as I seek the APC ticket to serve as your Governor in 2027—to ensure that the next decade is defined by intentional, world-class leadership.
We must look ahead and be intentional about the quality of leadership we project. The challenges of the 21st century require a leadership that is international, tech-savvy, economically grounded, visionary, and deeply connected to the grassroots. We cannot afford to relent; we must move from being a state of potential to a state of performance.
As we toast to 50 years of existence, let us pledge to build an Oyo State that our children will inherit with pride—a state where our hope will be renewed, where we chant gospels that metamorphosis into tangible prosperity for the man on the street and the scholar in the classroom. But above all else, I couldn’t be more proud of this state, I believe every son and daughter is as well. Happy Golden Jubilee to our dear Oyo State; may the next fifty years be even more glorious than the last.
~ Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK)
Oyo State APC Gubernatorial Aspirant
APC… PROGRESS!
Oyo 2027
AKK 2027
Governor 2027
AKK! Aseyori ni tiwa
AKK!! Ajọṣe, Ajoje
AKK!!! A Task That Must Be Done
Sunday, February 8, 2026.
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