A detailed schedule of events has been put up for Oyo State 50th-anniversary celebrations, framing the milestone as a blend of cultural pride, intellectual reflection, and forward-looking vision.
Chairman of the Oyo @ 50 Anniversary Committee, Hon. Saheed Fijabi, unveiled the week-long programme during a press briefing in Ibadan on Wednesday. He emphasized that the commemoration goes beyond mere ceremony, aiming to honour the state’s identity, resilience, and collective aspirations.
“This Golden Jubilee is structured to weave together reflection, thanksgiving, intellectual engagement, and cultural celebration,” Fijabi stated. “It aligns with the future-driven vision of our administration under Governor Seyi Makinde.”
The festivities are set to commence on January 26 with an official address by Governor Makinde at the University of Ibadan’s International Conference Centre. The schedule is notably expansive, designed to engage citizens across all 33 local government areas.
Key events include a state-wide health outreach, film screenings across the six geo-political zones of Oyo, a vibrant carnival, and a public lecture themed “Consolidating The Legacy, Navigating The Present And Reimagining The Future.” The week will also feature special religious services, sports competitions, and a targeted empowerment programme for women.
The climax on February 3, the exact anniversary date of the state’s creation in 1976 by the regime of General Murtala Mohammed will be an awards and dinner night. The event will recognize distinguished citizens and pivotal contributors to Oyo’s development over the past half-century, a history that began with Brigadier General David Jemibewon as its first military governor.
