The Oyo State Government has rolled out a comprehensive lineup of activities to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the creation of the state, marking five decades of growth, development and cultural heritage.
Unveiling the programme at a press briefing held at the Governor’s Office Briefing Room, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, the Chairman of the Oyo State @ 50 Anniversary Committee and former two-term member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, said the golden jubilee celebration is designed as a collective event for all residents of the state.
He explained that the anniversary provides an opportunity to reflect on the shared values, resilience and cultural expressions of the Pacesetter State, while also serving as a moment of thanksgiving for the journey so far.
According to Akinade-Fijabi, the celebration will commence with an opening ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday, January 26, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, where Governor Seyi Makinde is expected to formally declare the activities open.
He stated that events will continue on Tuesday, January 27, 2026, with two major activities — a statewide health outreach and a film show. The health outreach, he noted, will target residents aged 50 years and above, as well as other individuals requiring medical attention, and will be conducted across all the 33 local government areas of the state. The film show will hold in Ibadan, Ibarapa, Oyo, Ogbomoso, Oke Ogun I and Oke Ogun II, showcasing Oyo State’s rich history and pride in theatre and entertainment.
On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, an anniversary carnival walk will take place, featuring artisans, students, traders and other residents, who will trek from the historic Mapo Hall to the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
One of the major highlights of the celebration, he said, is the anniversary symposium slated for Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan. The symposium, themed “Consolidating the Legacy: Navigating the Present and Reimagining the Future,” will have Prof. Olu Ajakaiye as lead speaker, with Prof. Olanrewaju Olaniyan, Prof. Dikirulahi Yagboyaju and Dr. Durodola Kamoru Ogunsesan as guest speakers.
Akinade-Fijabi added that a Jumat service will hold on Friday, January 30, 2026, at the Ibadan Central Mosque, while an Isese service for traditional worshippers is scheduled for Saturday.
Also on Saturday, January 31, 2026, a novelty football match will be played at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, between a team led by Governor Makinde and another led by a football icon of Oyo State extraction, Mutiu Adepoju.
He further disclosed that a thanksgiving service will take place on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Aremo, Ibadan. This will be followed by an event tagged “An Afternoon with the Elderly and PLWD,” scheduled for the Omololu Olunloyo Park, Airport Road, Ibadan.
On Monday, February 2, 2026, the Wife of the Oyo State Governor, Her Excellency Engr. (Mrs.) Tamunominini Makinde, will visit selected primary and secondary schools across the state to present gifts to pupils and students. Later in the evening, she will host a programme to celebrate and empower women as part of the anniversary activities.
The grand finale will hold on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, marking exactly 50 years since Oyo State was created on February 3, 1976. On that day, the state government will host a Gala and Award Night at the newly built Banquet Hall, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, to honour the 17 former governors and military administrators who have served the state, as well as indigenes and non-indigenes who have contributed significantly to its growth and development.
Akinade-Fijabi called on indigenes and residents of Oyo State, both at home and in the diaspora, to participate actively in the golden jubilee celebrations.
The press conference was attended by the Secretary of the Committee, Mrs. Aderonke Adedayo; the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Gafar Bello; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media, Dr. Sulaimon Olanrewaju; and the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Broadcast, Mrs. Bosede Sodiq.
