Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has announced the allocation of ₦10 million to support the printing and distribution of a new book titled, Know Oyo State, authored by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade.
The governor made the announcement on Wednesday during the book’s official unveiling at the Emeritus Professor Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall in Ibadan. The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including Prof. Tunde Adeniran and Dr. Yemi Farounbi.
Makinde praised Oyelade for his dedication and consistent contributions to the administration. “You’ve never disappointed us,” he said.
He explained that the financial support was intended to ensure the book’s wide distribution across all secondary schools in the 33 local government areas of the state, with coordination to be handled by council chairmen.
Describing the book as a strategic tool for preserving and promoting Oyo State’s cultural identity, Makinde said it aligns with the goals of his administration’s Omituntun 2.0 agenda.
He added that while students are the primary audience, the book would also serve as a valuable resource for the general public, both within and beyond the state.
Author Dotun Oyelade, a veteran journalist and public affairs analyst, described the work as a comprehensive reference material that documents Oyo State’s history, culture, geography, institutions, and notable personalities. He emphasized that the book is intended to enrich students’ knowledge and foster deeper appreciation for the state’s heritage and developmental progress.
Also speaking, the General Manager of Safar Books, Comrade Odetola Olalekan, commended Governor Makinde and other dignitaries for their support. He assured that the book would be made available in school libraries across all local government areas.
In his review, the Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Oyo State chapter, Kayode Salami, emphasized the importance of involving educators in the authorship and documentation process.
He noted that the initiative had reinforced trust in the current administration, boosted collaboration between government and teachers, and inspired pride among students.
