The Chairman of the Oyo State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Comrade Ademola Babalola, has lauded Governor Seyi Makinde for redefining governance in the state, citing his focus on welfare, infrastructure, education, and agriculture as key markers of impactful leadership.
Speaking during an interview with The People’s Verdict, Babalola said Governor Makinde had broken barriers and set a new standard for public service.
“Seyi Makinde is a person who has broken the glass ceiling. He came from nowhere, broke the glass ceiling and redefined governance in Oyo State through numerous projects and programmes that have direct bearing on the welfare of the people,” Babalola stated.
Worker-Friendly Policies and Consistency
The NUJ chairman emphasized that the governor’s six-year tenure has brought unprecedented stability in government-labour relations. According to him, Makinde’s administration fulfilled its promise to pay salaries regularly—on or before the 25th of every month—and even added a 13th month salary to support workers.
“Before Makinde came on board, there were serious misgivings between the workforce and the government. But he promised timely salary payments, and till date, he hasn’t defaulted,” Babalola said.
SAfER Programme and Subsidy Removal Response
He commended the governor’s proactive response to the hardship caused by the removal of fuel subsidy, noting that the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) programme had touched every part of the state.
Under SAfER, the government distributed agricultural inputs to farmers and provided loans with single-digit interest rates to small and medium enterprises. It also extended relief measures to vulnerable populations across the state.
“That alone shows the governor’s welfarist approach. He ensures that Oyo people live better,” Babalola added.
Support for the Media and Education
Babalola highlighted Governor Makinde’s support for the NUJ, saying that even before becoming governor, he had shown interest in the development of journalism and education in the state.
“In 2011, long before he became governor, Makinde built and donated a multi-million naira science laboratory for our Pen Junior School. Since assuming office, he has continued to support journalists more than any of his predecessors,” Babalola said.
On education, the NUJ boss pointed to the transformation of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), which is now fully owned by Oyo State and has become one of the best state-owned universities in Nigeria. He also praised the governor for establishing the College of Agricultural Sciences and Renewable Resources in Iseyin to promote access to quality education in rural areas.
Infrastructure and Road Revolution
Babalola described the Makinde administration’s road projects as revolutionary. According to him, the standard of road construction, drainage systems, and bridges under the current administration far surpasses that of previous governments.
“Everywhere you go, roads are built with modern drainage systems that ensure water doesn’t damage them. That makes the roads more durable,” he said.
He recounted an encounter with labour leaders in Ogun State who praised Governor Makinde’s performance and expressed a desire for his kind of leadership in their state.
“They said, in terms of workers’ welfare alone—13th month salary and all—Makinde is the best,” he revealed.
Agribusiness and Job Creation
Babalola commended the governor’s investments in agriculture and agribusiness, which he described as a sector with huge potential for employment and food security.
“Agriculture is our area of comparative advantage, and Governor Makinde is tapping into that. He’s turning Oyo into a food hub,” he said.
He added that over 15,000 teaching and non-teaching staff had been recruited into the state’s education system under TESCOM and SUBEB, reflecting the administration’s commitment to employment and educational development.
Poster Boy of the PDP
Babalola concluded by declaring that Governor Makinde’s performance has made him a standout figure in the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), setting an example for other state leaders across Nigeria.
“Governor Makinde is a welfarist, a visionary, and someone who knows where the shoe pinches his people. He is always ready to act in their interest. That is why he’s the poster boy of the PDP today.”
