In an elaborate tribute resonating with admiration, Hon. Adebayo Babajide Gabriel, fondly called the Jagaban of the 9th and 10th Assembly, has issued a comprehensive commendation to Governor Seyi Makinde as the latter marks his sixth year as the Executive Governor of Oyo State.
Babajide Gabriel, who represents Ibadan North Constituency 2 in the Oyo State House of Assembly, declared Governor Makinde’s tenure as a transformational era defined by visionary leadership, infrastructural growth, youth inclusion, and fiscal prudence.
Speaking through a press statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan, Hon. Gabriel described Makinde’s leadership as “a masterclass in governance” that blends empathy with execution, and transparency with tenacity.
“Governor Makinde has not only governed, he has redefined the essence of leadership.
In the last six years, he has shown the nation that governance can be compassionate and courageous, focused and forward-thinking,” Gabriel said.
He highlighted the governor’s monumental strides in the health sector, notably the rehabilitation of over 300 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) across the 33 local government areas.
He lauded the mobile health outreach programs reaching remote communities and the aggressive recruitment of health personnel as decisive steps that have improved healthcare accessibility and outcomes for residents.
On education, Gabriel emphasized the unprecedented transformation of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) into a fully Oyo State-owned institution, an achievement many deemed improbable.
He praised the administration for prioritizing quality by recruiting thousands of qualified teachers, distributing educational materials across public schools, and implementing a consistent teacher training program.
“Oyo State is no longer behind. We are now a beacon of academic reform. Governor Makinde has not only expanded access but elevated quality,” he said.
Addressing infrastructural advancement, the lawmaker listed major road projects such as the Moniya-Iseyin Road, the reconstruction of Akobo-Ojurin Road, the Ojoo Bus Terminal, and the Ibadan-Iwo Road interchange as testimonies of a leadership committed to sustainable development.
He also spotlighted the Lekan Salami Sports Complex facelift and the revival of the Ibadan Circular Road as game-changing initiatives positioning the state for regional economic leadership.
Hon. Babajide Gabriel gave special accolades for Governor Makinde’s fiscal responsibility, noting the regular payment of salaries, pensions, and the innovative 13th-month salary as policies that have restored dignity and motivation among the workforce.
“Our governor treats civil servants with respect and sees them as co-builders of the new Oyo State.
He has changed the narrative from one of unpaid arrears to one of partnership and performance,” Gabriel added.
Perhaps most endearing was Gabriel’s acknowledgment of the governor’s deliberate efforts to mentor and uplift young political actors.
He attributed his own rise to Makinde’s belief in youth, saying, “The Governor gave me and many others a platform. He believes in the potential of young people and is building the next generation of leaders.”
As the tribute drew to a close, Hon. Gabriel offered prayers for greater strength, wisdom, and divine guidance for the governor.
He expressed unflinching confidence in Governor Makinde’s capacity to leave behind a legacy of excellence.
“History will remember Governor Makinde not just for what he built, but for the lives he transformed and the hope he restored.
Congratulations, sir, on six years of excellence,” Gabriel concluded.
