Oyo State Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Grand Thanksgiving Service in Ibadan

In a show of gratitude and reflection, Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, on Sunday led residents in a special thanksgiving service at the Cathedral of St. Peter Aremo, Ibadan, as part of the ongoing activities marking the state’s 50th anniversary celebrations.

The event, tagged Day 7 of the #OyoStateAt50 festivities, saw the presence of notable dignitaries, including former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, and the wife of Osun State Governor, Chief Mrs. Titilola Adeleke.

Governor Makinde, in his address shared on social media, expressed profound thanks to his guests for joining the historic milestone. “Today, we held a thanksgiving service at the Cathedral of St Peter Aremo as part of the activities for Day 7 of the #OyoStateAt50 celebrations. Let me once again, thank my brother, His Excellency Peter Obi and Her Excellency Chief Mrs Titilola Adeleke for joining us to celebrate this historic milestone,” Makinde stated. He further emphasized the state’s collective gratitude, noting, “We have a lot to be thankful for as a State and today’s thanksgiving services were held in all 33 local government areas to express our gratitude for Almighty God’s faithfulness and mercy towards us.”

The governor also used the occasion to assure citizens of sustained good governance beyond his tenure, highlighting his administration’s commitment to people-centered policies and infrastructure development.

As earlier reported by NaijaChoice News on the unveiling of the Oyo @50 logo and the launch of the 50-day countdown in December 2025, the celebrations have been building up with various events across the state, including the commissioning of key projects like the Ibadan Circular Road.

In his goodwill message, Peter Obi commended Makinde’s transformative leadership, describing it as a model for national development. “That is what Makinde is doing in this state,” Obi said, urging politicians to prioritize public welfare and unity. Obi, who has been vocal about Nigeria’s challenges, reiterated the need for leaders to use public funds for public good, stating during the service, “Pray for we politicians to use Public Money for public use.”

The Archbishop of Ibadan Province, The Most Rev’d Williams Aladekugbe, delivered a sermon titled “Gratitude,” praising God’s faithfulness to Oyo State over the past 50 years and acknowledging the contributions of past leaders. The service was attended by a host of dignitaries, including the Governor’s wife, Tamunominini Makinde; former First Lady of Oyo State, Mutiat Ladoja; Chief Judge of the state, Iyabo Yerima; Secretary to the State Government, Musibau Babatunde; Chief of Staff, Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Olubunmi Oni; Deputy Chief of Staff, Kazeem Adeniyi; and the Chairman of the Oyo State @ 50 Committee, Saheed Akinade-Fijabi.

Oyo State was created on February 3, 1976, from the former Western State, and the golden jubilee marks a significant milestone in its history of progress in education, agriculture, and infrastructure. The week-long celebrations, which commenced with an opening ceremony, are set to culminate on February 3 with more events highlighting the state’s achievements.

Residents across the 33 local government areas participated in similar thanksgiving services, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for the state’s journey.