PDP Governors' Forum

https://pdpgovernorsforum.com/felicitating-gov-seyi-makindes-seven-years-of-legacy-achievements-and-iconic-leadership/

Felicitating Gov. Seyi Makinde's Seven Years of Legacy Achievements and Iconic Leadership The Management and Staff of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors' Forum PDP-GF, heartily congratulate His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo Stat

Felicitating Gov. Seyi Makinde's Seven Years of Legacy Achievements and Iconic Leadership

The Management and Staff of the Peoples Democratic Party Governors' Forum PDP-GF, heartily congratulate His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, Governor of Oyo State on the remarkable milestone of seven years in office.

2. His tenure has been a shining example of visionary leadership, steadfast dedication, and transformative governance that has touched every facet of life in Oyo State.

3. From agriculture and agro-based industrialization to energy development through the operational Independent Power Project (IPP), his administration has laid strong foundations for sustainable growth. The transformation of the education sector, improved healthcare delivery, and expansion of road and tourism infrastructure have brought tangible progress to communities across the state as illustrated at the recent Oyo International Tourism Summit

3. His strides in security improvement via personnel training and infrastructure upgrades across various security platforms including Amotekun, housing development, aviation infrastructure overhaul, have reshaped Oyo’s landscape, while investments in sports development, sponsorship, and facilities have inspired youth and strengthened community pride. Under the frameworks of Omituntun 1.0 and 2.0, his administration has advanced worker’s welfare with prompt and improved pay packages, modernized transportation systems, and attracted Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) that continues to drive prosperity.

4. Equally commendable is his unshaken stand for party pluralism in Nigeria’s democratic landscape. He has become a voice that must be heard, openly speaking against the intimidation of the opposition and defending the principles of fairness, diversity, and representation. In doing so, he has safeguarded Nigeria’s democracy and reinforced its resilience.

5. A man who has courageously combined development with democratic advocacy deserves to be celebrated. May this anniversary inspire continued progress, prosperity, and unity for Oyo State and for Nigeria as well.

Once more congratulations.

SIGNED:
Dr. Emmanuel Agbo FNMS MFR,
Director General,
PDP-GF, Abuja.

RE: Eid-El-Kabir (Eid ul Adha) Celebrations

The Peoples Democratic Party Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF) hereby greets and felicitates with all Nigerians, especially the Muslim Ummah, as we celebrate this year’s Eid-El-Kabir, also known as ‘Eid ul Adha’.

2. The Forum also congratulates all those who have successfully undertaken this year’s Hajj. As they conclude the rites of the Hajj and prepare to return home, we join them in offering special prayers for greater security, peace, unity and progress in our dear country.

3. We urge all our political leaders to place the overriding interest of the well-being and progress of our fatherland above all other considerations by being more committed to the sustenance of democracy and political stability which are essential prerequisites for the advancement of good governance, inclusive economic growth and rapid development. They should be armed with the fact that in deciding on an appropriate response to national calls, the greater interests of national harmony, cohesion, unity, security, political stability, progress, equity, justice and fairness should be placed above any unedifying, unpatriotic and selfish personal interests or divisive sectional agenda.

4. During this celebration of the ‘Festival of Sacrifice’, we urge for a rededication and commitment to the Holy Prophet’s injunctions of piety, honesty, charity and generosity to the less-privileged, impartial leadership and true justice for all. These virtues and lessons will surely stand our nation in good stead as we continue our journey towards the fulfilment of our founding fathers’ vision of a great nation.

5. Once more, we wish our Muslim brethren a happy, peaceful and successful Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Signed:

Dr. Emmanuel Agbo FNMS MFR,
Director-General,
PDP Governors’ Forum (PDP-GF),
Abuja.

Governor Makinde Signs Executive Order To Strengthen State's Security Framework Against Insecurity Upsurge

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has signed Executive Order No. 001 of 2026 to regulate, register, and coordinate associations, groups, and organizations offering security and allied services in the state.

The move aims to strengthen the state's security architecture and regulate vigilante and community-based security groups.

Governor Makinde signed the order at his private residence in Ibadan, stating it was necessitated by growing security challenges and uncoordinated security activities.

He emphasized that while security is a collective responsibility, such groups must operate within a lawful framework.

The order requires all organizations involved in security services to be properly registered and monitored. Makinde appreciated citizens' efforts in security operations but warned that unregulated operations could worsen insecurity.

“I Run a Capacity Government, Not a Party Government" - Seyi Makinde

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has defended his decision to work with opposition-linked figures, saying his administration prioritizes competence over party affiliation.

Speaking at the University of Ibadan on Wednesday, Makinde said, “For me, I don’t run a party government, I run a capacity government. If you are from this state, loyal, and you have the capacity, we will tap you.”

The governor was responding to criticism over his engagement with Bimbo Adekanmbi and Dr. Morohunkola Thomas, both associated with the APC. Adekanmbi, a former Commissioner for Finance under the late Governor Abiola Ajimobi, defected to the PDP in December 2025 and is widely reported as Makinde’s preferred successor for 2027.

Makinde argued that political experience alone does not guarantee administrative value, questioning why opposition figures could not mentor successors outside their party.

The move has sparked pushback within the Oyo PDP. A 21-member stakeholder panel recently voted 20-1 in favor of Dr. Debo Akande over Adekanmbi.

Makinde’s remarks come as he approaches the end of his second term and amid speculation about his own 2027 political plans.

The 2026 Oyo International Tourism Summit: Between Gov Makinde’s Masterstroke and the Global Tourism Map

BY Innocent Imoh Paul

To every keen follower and supporter of Gov. Seyi Makinde , his vision and commitment to building a modern-day Oyo State, can only be described as the template of a master strategist best known for innovative policies and dynamic programs.

The International Tourism Summit Oyo State 2026 ( ) scheduled for May 12–14, 2026 in Ibadan, is not only opening the state to the world and activating opportunity windows his administration has created in the sector; it aims to advance the state's tourism sector by presenting a 25-year tourism master plan developed by a 9-member committee, while an 8-member committee organizes the summit to attract investors.

2026 presents the third edition of the event hosted since 2024 by this administration, which the governor has described as the "icing on the cake" of the State’s Golden Jubilee milestones, with a purpose to showcase the state as a mature and competitive global tourism destination.

It aims to primarily attract international investors to the state’s “Focus-5” tourist sites as well as solidify Oyo’s reputation for being open and ready for serious sustainable business.

For Gov. Makinde, it is indeed the best time to showcase his administration’s seven-year commitment to revolutionising the state’s economy through harnessing its tourism potentials, boosting its internally generated revenue, creating jobs through related strategic investments and partnerships, presenting life-impacting efforts and ensuring the functionality of the long-term master plan designed to sustain growth.

The much-talked about 25-year Tourism Master Plan, is aimed at creating a sustainable, long-term roadmap for tourism development, to guide future administrations. The plan emphasizes policy continuity and institutional stability; public-private partnerships to align capital, policy, and ex*****on as well as the enhancement of hospitality standards and tourists’ experiences.

At several fora, Gov. Makinde has stressed that tourism thrives on “structure, hospitality, clarity of purpose, and continuity,” and this master plan is designed to institutionalize these values.

Meanwhile, key infrastructure set goals have been accomplished and they include upgrading the state airport to international standards to allow for direct global access to the state capital, Ibadan. This was anchored by a master plan committee, consisting of nine members drawn from across the academia and private sector leaders, to guide a long-term development plan of ensuring policy continuity and improved hospitality standards.

The airport expansion project executed between March to September 2025 to a greater extent leveraged on the upgrade of the Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan to international standard.

In September 2024, at the ground-breaking ceremony for the airport upgrade, Gov. Makinde had said that the project, when completed, would connect the state to the global market, enhance air travel operations and provide a reliable transportation network for both business and leisure travellers, thus positioning the state for economic growth and development.

The project which ensured the upgrade of the airport’s VIP lounge, provision of fire trucks, installation of a 500,000-litre aviation fuel storage and dispensing facility was fully executed and the airport now records international flights and an increased frequency on the local routes.

The development of tourism assets has triggered the repositioning of the Focus-5 tourist sites in the state as key destinations targeted for investment and development under the 2026 International Tourism Summit agenda.

And based on official statements by Governor Makinde, the following have been highlighted as priority sites - Oke Iya-Mapo in Igbeti, which is known for its scenic rock formations and historical significance; Igbo Ora Community referred to as the "Twin Capital of the World," remains a cultural and demographic attraction; Ikere Gorge Dam is still a major water and energy infrastructure with vast potential for eco-tourism and recreation; Ado Awaye Mountains and Suspended Lakes, a natural wonder featuring rare suspended lakes atop mountains is branded to attract more hikers and nature lovers and finally with the Agodi Gardens, a rejuvenated urban park in Ibadan, still serving as a leisure and event hub.

These sites are central to Oyo State’s strategy to attract global tourists and investors through improved infrastructure, hospitality, and international accessibility.

Oyo tourism roadmap prioritized to drive its growth also embodies a Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) collaboration with investors, academics, and private sector stakeholders.

The 3-day event would come and go; but at the end of the day, the long-term benefits and return-on-investments are vividly enormous and will most likely include Economic Impact and IGR Boost among others; notwithstanding that beyond tourism, the summit would support a broader economic and developmental transformation.

Investor climate and confidence have been shored up through transparent governance and policy stability, even as Gov. Makinde has through an improved infrastructure and policy clarity reiterated that government alone cannot drive this vision thus the invitation for an active private-sector collaboration as an essential for a lasting success investment in real estate, leisure, and eco-tourism to consolidate the turning point in the state’s economy.

Some of the easily accessed benefits would be an increased IGR Growth as the tourism reforms would definitely contribute to a steady rise in internal revenue diversified beyond federal allocations.

The expansion in the hospitality sector cannot be ignored and it is worthwhile to say that hotels, resorts, and event centres have multiplied, thereby creating new streams of tax revenue.

Equally remarkably is the fact that tourism initiatives are tied to cultural preservation and agribusiness being Oyo’s major resource, boosting local production and supply chains and linkages.

There will certainly be more business opportunities, growth in SMEs, the emergence of more job creation opportunities for local artisans, tour operators, and cultural entrepreneurs through the increased tourists traffic generated in hospitality, transport, entertainment and cultural industries. In totality, a sense of purpose will be reawakened in its youthful working population.

Gov. Makinde’s mindset spirals on the life-impacting efforts of community development whereby tourism projects are embarked upon to revitalize rural communities, create income opportunities and reduce poverty, while equally checking migration to the city.

He sees cultural preservation as an enabler, believing that tourism not only promotes the Yoruba heritage and festivals but strengthens identity while generating revenue; and in the process redefines career paths for the teeming youth populace who through engagement and training programs in hospitality and tourism management are empowered and skilled up.

The 3-day event includes a tour of the Oke-Ogun Zone (Iyake Lake, KAP Film Village), a main summit plenary with Governor Seyi Makinde, investment presentations, a structured working sessions on 25-year master plan frameworks and the Governor's Dinner and Tourism Awards.

Remarkably, the World Egungun Festival which held on May 2, 2026 showcased the state's rich cultural heritage, providing unity, tourism and pride in Oyo' State's roots. This will form inputs for the presentation to be made by the Oyo State Investment and Private Public Partnership Agency at the summit plenary.

Need one say more. The Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration has essentially positioned Oyo State as a rising tourism hub in Nigeria, with reforms that not only boost revenue but also create sustainable livelihoods. The 2026 summit will highlight the numerous achievements and set the stage for future growth.

The International Tourism Summit Oyo State 2026 ( ) will aside highlighting the numerous achievements and setting the stage for the state’s future growth, engrave in bold and golden letters Governor Makinde’s masterstroke and Oyo State’s presence on the Global Tourism Map.

Innocent Imoh Paul is a staff of the PDP Governors' Forum (PDP-GF), Abuja.

Congratulations to His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde, on his appointment as Chairman of the PDP Governors' Forum.