While the story of governance in Nigeria is often narrated in the language of broken promises and dashed hopes, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State continues to write a different script one where the people are not background characters but the main actors. If the part one of this discourse exposed the philosophy behind his people-centric governance, this concluding part delves deeper into the systems, reforms, and human impacts that are redefining public service and leadership in the Pacesetter State.
One of the most significant yet underrated achievements of Governor Makinde is his quiet reform of public institutions. From civil service restructuring to digitalization of operations, his administration has taken bold steps to eliminate redundancy, improve service delivery, and restore dignity to public workers.
Under the Oyo State Government’s digitization policy, civil service processes are now more efficient, reducing delays, curbing corruption, and ensuring transparency. Salaries are paid regularly on the 25th of every month, a “GSM Day” that workers now look forward to. This consistency has had a ripple effect, civil servants are motivated, local businesses are thriving due to predictable cash flow, and families can plan better for their future.
More than just paychecks, Makinde introduced training and upskilling programs for civil servants, ensuring that they are not only present but productive in the age of technology and efficiency. Pensioners are no longer made to queue endlessly under the sun to receive what they labored for all their lives. Today, the dignity of labor continues beyond retirement.
Before 2019, Oyo State battled serious security challenges, especially from interstate criminals and factional transport unions. Makinde tackled this head-on by strengthening Amotekun, the Western Nigeria Security Network, and equipping them with operational vehicles, communication gadgets, and legal backing. He complemented this with support for federal agencies without compromising local control.
The result? A notable drop in armed robbery cases, clashes, and community unrest. Farmers in Oke-Ogun can now return to their farms without fear, and businesses in urban centers no longer close shop early due to insecurity. Security is no longer politicized, it is professionalized and community-driven.
Governor Makinde is not just governing for today, He’s preparing the state for the next generation. One of his boldest moves has been the development of the Oyo State Start-Up and Innovation Hub, which is providing a platform for young tech minds to grow ideas into businesses.
The Oyo State Youth Empowerment programs, including the Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Project (YEAP), have trained thousands of young people in sustainable agriculture, providing land, tools, mentorship, and even links to markets. These are not handouts; they are hand-ups that create self-reliance, dignity, and generational wealth.
Under GSM’s watch, many Oyo youths have gone from “area boys” to “agri-preneurs” and “techpreneurs.” It’s no longer about surviving in Ibadan, it’s about thriving in Oyo.
Health is wealth, and Governor Makinde understands this at a structural level. His administration launched a massive health infrastructure revamp across all zones of the state. Over 200 primary health centers have been renovated and equipped, creating access to quality healthcare even in rural wards.
The State Health Insurance Scheme (OYSHIA) has also gained new momentum, giving low-income earners access to quality health services at an affordable rate. Pregnant women no longer have to give birth in darkness or unclean environments. Children under five now receive immunization, nutrition, and postnatal care under a structured, responsive health system.
Doctors and nurses now have reason to stay in Oyo, and citizens no longer need to travel to Lagos or Ilorin for basic health needs. The dignity of the patient and the integrity of the health worker are finally being restored.
Governor Makinde’s investment in education goes beyond structures, it reaches into the heart of learning. In addition to providing infrastructure like model schools and furniture, his administration is focused on quality teaching. Thousands of new teachers have been recruited into public schools, and regular training is now part of their career path, ensuring no child is left behind due to poverty.
The State Library has been revamped which is being equipped with ICT Laboratory and Science & Technology laboratories are being built. Oyo State’s performance in national examinations has improved significantly. Parents who once saw private schools as a necessity are now enrolling their children in public schools with pride. That is progress rooted in policy, not propaganda.
Makinde has continued to break the old boys’ club in governance. Women are not just present, they are empowered. From commissioners to board appointments, the state has seen an increase in female representation, not for optics but for outcomes. Women are leading portfolios like health, education, finance, and entrepreneurship with remarkable results.
The grassroots governance model has also improved. Makinde didn’t just conduct elections; he empowered local councils to perform. Markets are being built, roads are being repaired, and primary education is receiving attention from the base.
What stands Makinde apart is not just what he has done but how he listens. When a governor travels without sirens, speaks without arrogance, and leads without entitlement, the people begin to feel governance in their bones, not just on banners.
From his unannounced market visits to his informal discussions with students and artisans, he sends one powerful message: “This government belongs to you.” And indeed, the people believe it.
In a political landscape littered with strongmen, Governor Seyi Makinde remains a statesman. His governance philosophy is not built on fear, noise, or deceit but on service, vision, and humanity. He is building roads, schools, and hospitals, yes but more importantly, he is building trust.
From Awe to Akinyele, Ogbomoso to Igangan, Oyo people are not just spectators anymore they are participants in progress. In the words of a young woman in Okeho: “For the first time, I know what it feels like to be seen by my government.”
Makinde’s leadership is not perfect, but it is people-driven. And in a democracy, that is everything.
Afees Adedoja Omo’ba, member, GSM Advocates writes from Ibadan.
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