Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has once again underscored his administration’s unwavering focus on merit-based appointments, stressing that only individuals with proven capacity and integrity will be selected for public service, irrespective of political affiliations, ethnicity, or place of origin. The governor made this clear on Tuesday during the official inauguration of the Oyo State Judicial Service Commission, held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office located at the State Secretariat in Agodi, Ibadan. Makinde highlighted that his administration is firmly committed to identifying and appointing individuals who possess the professional qualifications and competence to drive growth and transformation in Oyo State. According to him, considerations such as political favoritism or ethnic background do not influence selection into key positions within his government. “Whenever we identify a talent that has the potential to add genuine value to the development of Oyo State, regardless of where they come from or what political party they belong to, we will not hesitate to bring such a person on board,” Governor Makinde stated. He called on the newly appointed members of the Judicial Service Commission to remain steadfast in applying their skills and experience toward enhancing the delivery of justice and upholding the rule of law in the state. The governor noted that the efficiency and credibility of the judicial arm of government play a vital role in ensuring good governance, peace, and equity in society. Therefore, the newly inaugurated commission must work diligently to maintain the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary. Leading the newly sworn-in commission is the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, who will serve as the Chairperson. Supporting her as the Secretary is Mrs. M.O. Abdulganiyu. Other distinguished members of the Oyo State Judicial Service Commission include: The governor’s approach to appointments, which centers on skill, value, and state-building commitment, aligns with modern governance best practices and sends a strong message about transparency, accountability, and equity in public service. This commitment comes at a time when many Nigerians are advocating for depoliticized public appointments and credible leadership across all levels of government. Governor Makinde’s stance is widely seen as a forward-thinking model that other state leaders could emulate.
In a significant development aimed at boosting regional food production and improving safety, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has expressed a renewed commitment to strengthening both agricultural collaboration and security ties with Oyo State. This renewed synergy was revealed through a statement issued by the governor’s media aide, Kayode Akinmade, following a closed-door meeting between Governor Abiodun and his Oyo State counterpart, Governor Seyi Makinde, held in Ibadan on Tuesday. Speaking to journalists after the meeting, Governor Abiodun underscored the historical and cultural connection between the two southwestern states. He reminded the press that Ogun State was once part of the Old Western Region, with Ibadan serving as its capital, a legacy that continues to shape the two states’ strategic alignment. “I came to see my brother, Governor Makinde, to discuss matters of mutual benefit. Historically, Ogun was under the Old Western Region, which had Ibadan as its capital,” Governor Abiodun said. He emphasized that Ogun and Oyo States share deep cultural, social, and economic relationships, which are reflected in their current engagements with large-scale investors. According to him, the strategic alliance between both states provides a solid foundation to enhance economic growth, particularly through agriculture. Strengthening Agriculture for Food Security Governor Abiodun identified agriculture as a critical area for renewed cooperation. He reiterated the urgent need for both states to focus on food sustainability, by promoting local production and consumption. “This is the right time for us to intensify our agricultural cooperation. We must focus on growing what we eat and eating what we grow to transform our region into Nigeria’s food hub,” he explained. Abiodun praised the agricultural strides made by Oyo State, while also highlighting Ogun’s active agricultural zones in Odeda, Imeko, and Yewa North, which share borders with Oyo. These locations, he said, are already making substantial contributions to the region’s food production capacity. Security as a Foundation for Development Beyond agriculture, the conversation between the governors also addressed security as a pillar of socio-economic development. Governor Abiodun emphasized the need for robust security collaboration between the two states, citing that development cannot be achieved without peace and safety. He applauded the performance of the Amotekun Corps, the South-West Security Network, noting its growing relevance in regional intelligence gathering and law enforcement. “We commend the Amotekun initiative for its critical role in intelligence sharing and maintaining order across our states,” he added. This development reflects a broader effort within the South-West geopolitical zone to foster regional integration, improve food self-reliance, and strengthen internal security. As Nigeria continues to navigate complex challenges in food inflation and rising insecurity, Ogun and Oyo’s unified approach could become a template for sustainable governance and strategic subregional alliances.
