Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has called on Nigerians to remain united and committed to national development as the country marks its 66th Independence Anniversary.
Makinde made the call on Thursday, October 1, 2026, during the Independence Day celebration held at the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan, where he was represented by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal.
The governor used the occasion to highlight developments recorded under his administration in Oyo State while stressing the importance of unity and collective responsibility in addressing Nigeria’s challenges.
Makinde urges Nigerians to remain united
The governor’s message comes as Nigerians across the country commemorate 66 years of independence from British colonial rule.
Makinde urged citizens to remain committed to the development of the country and to recognise the importance of working together despite Nigeria’s ethnic, religious and regional differences.
The call for unity is also consistent with remarks attributed to the governor during an Independence Day walk organised by the Oyo State Ministry of Youth and Sports on September 28.
At that event, Makinde called for sustained efforts to achieve inclusive economic growth and reduce poverty and inequality, describing the walk as a symbolic demonstration of unity and collective commitment to building a stronger Oyo State and Nigeria.
The governor has repeatedly linked national development to the ability of citizens and institutions to work across differences.
Oyo’s development record highlighted
During the 66th Independence celebration, attention was also drawn to projects and programmes implemented by the Oyo State Government in areas including infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic development.
Oyo State Government records show that the administration has identified education, healthcare, economic expansion and security as major areas of focus.
In education, the state government has reported investments in school infrastructure, teacher development and efforts to increase access to basic education. The government has also highlighted projects involving classroom construction and renovation, school furniture and learning materials.
Recent state government reports also point to continued interventions in healthcare. In August 2026, the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board reported an intervention combining adolescent health education with vocational skills training for girls, while the state’s health authorities have continued working with development partners to strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare services.
Infrastructure has also remained a significant part of the administration’s development programme. The Oyo State Government recently cited the Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomosho road among major projects intended to improve connectivity and economic access across the state.
These developments form part of the broader record the state government points to when discussing Makinde’s administration and its development agenda. Claims about government achievements, however, are statements from the administration and should be distinguished from independent assessments of their impact.
Independence Day provides opportunity for reflection
Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the country’s journey since October 1, 1960.
The Federal Government had earlier announced that this year’s celebration would be relatively low-key, with activities focused on reflecting on the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers and the progress made since independence.
The anniversary programme included religious services, a public lecture and the President’s nationwide Independence Day broadcast.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, in his October 1 address, said Nigeria had endured periods of political upheaval, economic difficulties, insecurity and other challenges while maintaining its existence as a sovereign nation.
He framed the next phase of his administration around a transition from economic reforms to what he described as an era of prosperity.
The Federal Government has also urged Nigerians to use the anniversary to demonstrate unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect.
Unity remains a recurring national theme
Makinde’s appeal for unity comes against the backdrop of continuing political, economic and social debates across Nigeria.
The country is preparing for the 2027 general elections, making political competition increasingly prominent in public discourse. Makinde himself has expressed interest in the 2027 presidential contest, according to the Nigeria Union of Journalists’ report on his September 28 Independence walk.
Against this background, calls for national unity have significance beyond the Independence Day ceremony itself.
For Nigeria’s political institutions, businesses, communities and citizens, national cohesion remains connected to questions of economic development, public security, democratic participation and access to opportunities.
The challenge is not simply to celebrate independence but to translate the principles associated with nationhood into improvements in the everyday lives of citizens.
Oyo’s role in the wider national picture
As one of Nigeria’s major southwestern states, Oyo occupies an important position in the country’s political, educational, agricultural and commercial landscape.
Ibadan, the state capital, is one of Nigeria’s largest urban centres and an important regional hub.
The Makinde administration has placed particular emphasis on agriculture and economic development as tools for expanding opportunities in the state. The government has also promoted investment in education and infrastructure as part of its broader development agenda.
Oyo State’s development efforts therefore form part of a wider national conversation about how subnational governments can improve public services, attract investment and create opportunities for citizens.
What happens next
The Independence anniversary now shifts attention back to the continuing responsibilities of governments at both federal and state levels.
For Oyo State, the administration faces the task of continuing its ongoing infrastructure, education, healthcare and economic programmes while addressing the expectations of residents ahead of the end of Makinde’s tenure.
At the national level, the Federal Government faces continuing pressure to translate economic reforms into improved living standards, employment opportunities and greater economic security for Nigerians.
For citizens, the 66th anniversary offers an opportunity not only to commemorate Nigeria’s independence but also to reflect on the responsibilities of government, institutions and individuals in shaping the country’s future.
Makinde’s message ultimately centred on unity and sustained development, placing the responsibility for Nigeria’s progress within the broader collective effort of its citizens and institutions.
Nigeria became independent on October 1, 1960. Sixty-six years later, the anniversary continues to serve as both a celebration of sovereignty and an occasion to assess the country’s progress, challenges and future direction.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- Oyo State Government — reports on development programmes and projects under the Seyi Makinde administration.
- Nigeria Union of Journalists — report on Makinde’s September 28, 2026 Independence Day walk and call for inclusive growth.
- Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation — Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary programme and Federal Government statements.
- The State House — President Bola Tinubu’s October 1, 2026 Independence Day address.
- Leadership — report on Makinde’s Independence Day unity message.
