• Exempts essential workers
• Oyo @ 50: Makinde says God guides his leadership

ONDO State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has declared a two-day public holiday for residents of the state, particularly civil servants and students, to enable them to be part of the 50th anniversary celebrations of the state.

The governor, who declared today and tomorrow as work-free days across the state, disclosed that the five decades of growth, resilience, and collective progress of the state since its creation in 1976 are worthy of celebration.

However, a statement, at the weekend, by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ebenezer Adeniyan, stated that essential workers are exempted from the holidays.

RELATEDLY, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, yesterday, reaffirmed his commitment to governing the state in accordance with the will and guidance of God as the state marks its 50th anniversary.

The governor made the declaration during a special thanksgiving service held at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, Ibadan, which formed part of activities lined up to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of the state, tagged Oyo @ 50.

The service brought together top government officials, religious leaders and other dignitaries to offer prayers and thanksgiving for the state’s journey over the last five decades.

Makinde said his emergence as the governor of Oyo State was not by chance but by the grace and mercy of God.
He noted that leadership without divine direction could not produce lasting development, stressing that his administration would continue to seek God’s guidance in decision-making and policy implementation.

Earlier in his sermon titled “Gratitude,” the Diocesan Archbishop of Ibadan Province, Most Rev’d Williams Aladekugbe, said Oyo State had enjoyed God’s mercy over the past 50 years despite periods of political, economic and social challenges.

He noted that the state had been shaped by the contributions of successive leaders, some of whom laid solid foundations for growth and development.

The Archbishop stressed that thanksgiving should not be taken for granted, urging both leaders and citizens to reflect on the lessons of the past while committing themselves to building a better future for the state.

Aladekugbe, therefore, congratulated Makinde for his people-centred style of governance, praising his administration’s achievements in infrastructure development, improved welfare for workers and pensioners, and the promotion of peaceful coexistence across the state.