The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has reiterated his determination to serve the people of the state diligently till his last day in office.
The governor stated this on Thursday at the unveiling of two books entitled “Giant Strides” and “Ibadan Hegemony,” and a Yoruba film “Agbeni” authored by the Balogun of Ibadanland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Tajudeen Ajibola, held at the Emeritus Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, University College Hospital, Ibadan.
Makinde, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser (Media), Sulaimon Olanrewaju, noted that the books and the film showcased the culture and history of Ibadanland, which are consistent with searching for knowledge on how a race can progress and enrich its people.
Makinde commended the author of the books on his efforts and determination in publishing the books and producing the film, which according to him, will be of immense benefit to generations yet to be born.
The governor said, “I promised the people of Oyo State that I will work for them till the last moment of the last day.
“I need to mention this, because when some issues crop up, we have to take certain decisions. On the Circular Road corridor issue, some people were encouraging me, and I know that as a leader, you have to take your people to where they ought to be, not where they want to be. You must be the compass.
“I was complaining to one of our Babas and expressing displeasure over what our people were doing. He told me that I should go back to history; that when Pa Awolowo introduced free education in 1954 as well as the tax to fund the education, he was blackmailed. Pa Awolowo even lost the 1954 federal elections as a result of that protest.
“This is the exact thing happening on the issue of the Circular Road.
“But today, education has set the Yoruba race apart from other races in Nigeria. The Baba advised me to do what I feel is right for the people of Oyo State and Ibadanland.”
While congratulating Oba Ajibola on the laudable achievements, the governor charged those who have stories that add to the knowledge “about our people, culture and race” to take a cue from Oba Ajibola by writing their stories.
“These books that we are launching are consistent with the search for knowledge and how a race can progress. When you read the books, you go into history.
“When you are able to learn about history, you make less mistakes facing the future. So, Baba, what you have done today is to ensure that generations yet unborn would benefit from this.
“So, I want to congratulate you, and congratulate Ibadanland for these efforts. I also want to use what Baba has done today to encourage some of us who have stories to tell for people to learn and enrich their knowledge base not to shy away from doing so.
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“If Baba can achieve this at his age, I believe anyone among us who has a genuine story to tell should be able to take such a bold move too.”
Makinde, thereafter, launched the books and the film with a sum of N10 million, while he called on people to support the projects.
In his goodwill message, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Ladoja, reminisced on his relationship with Oba Ajibola, which, he noted, started from childhood.
He said they had never had any disagreement.
The Olubadan commended Oba Ajibola’s tenacity and courage towards authoring the books and producing a film that would serve as a resource on the history and valued cultural heritage of Ibadanland and showcase it to coming generations.
He charged the people of the state to always contribute their quota to its development.
Speaking on his motivation for writing the books and producing the film, Oba Ajibola said his objectives were to contribute to the body of knowledge, educate society and share his experiences about how the past can shape the future.
The event had in attendance the Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Mohammed Fadeyi; former Minister of Trade and Investment, Chief Mrs Onikepo Akande, OON, CON; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon Kazeem Adeniyi; Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon Sikiru Oyedele Sanda; Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, Alhaji Daud Makanjuola Akinola; President-General, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Barr. Ajeniyi Ajewole; Engr Dotun Sanusi and Oloye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke among other dignitaries.
