Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has advised the people of the state to always work hard and struggle for success in educational and other endeavours, as these determine pathways to the future.
The governor said this on Wednesday, October 1, at the 70th birthday celebration of the wife of a former Governor of Oyo State, Her Excellency (Ayaba) Olayinka Mutiat Ladoja, held at the Sunlight Royal Event Centre, Ring Road, Ibadan.
Describing Ayaba Ladoja as a strong woman, the governor appreciated her support especially in his political trajectory of becoming the governor of the state.
He also commended her resilience and commitment to supporting the underprivileged through her empowerment scheme tagged “Idera De Foundation.”
While congratulating her on behalf of the good people and government of Oyo State for achieving the milestone age of 70, the governor thanked her for serving the state and equally prayed for her good health and long life.
At the ceremony, Governor Makinde, in a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, said: “Before I give the message on behalf of the government and the people of Oyo State, let me first give my own personal message.
“Almost eight years ago, precisely December 25, 2017, during my 50th birthday, you (Ayaba Ladoja) told the whole world that I would become the Governor of Oyo State in 2019 and I doubted it. But it came to pass.
“My wish for you today is that 70 is the starting point. You will live long to celebrate more years in good health.
“On behalf of all your children, we congratulate you on this milestone. Congratulations on all your achievements. Congratulations on what you have done and you are still doing for the people of Oyo State and even the whole of the South-West.
“When you were in government, Idera De Foundation touched lives and it is still operating till today. That is commitment. We thank God for your life. We wish you many happy returns in good health and in the service of our state and our country.”
The event had in attendance representatives of the Olubadan of Ibadanland; former Minister of Industry, Chief (Mrs) Onikepo Akande; wife of a former Governor of Osun State, Chief (Mrs) Omolola Oyinlola; former ambassador to Philippines and Kingdom of Cambodia, Ambassador Yemi Farounbi; member of the Oyo State Advisory Council, Hon. Babatunde Oduyoye; captains of industries; political stalwarts; religious leaders and traditional rulers, among other dignitaries.
In Governor Makinde’s entourage were the wife of the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs) Ajibola Lawal; former Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Secretary to the State Government, Prof Olanike Adeyemo; PDP South-West Women Leader, Chief (Mrs) Bose Adedibu; Deputy Chief of Staff Hon Kazeem Adeniyi and other top government functionaries.
