Former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. (Mrs.) Onikepo Akande, has credited Governor Seyi Makinde’s achievements in Oyo State to his level of preparedness before assuming office. Akande made the remarks in an interview with journalists, noting that the governor’s approach to governance has been shaped by planning and a clear development agenda.

She pointed to Makinde’s use of strategic documents—Oyo State Roadmap to Accelerated Development 2019–2023 and Oyo State Roadmap to Sustainable Development 2023–2027—as evidence of a planned and consistent approach to leadership.

“Governor Makinde is a performing governor who came prepared and continues to serve the people with humility, integrity and transparency,” she said.
Akande, who is also the Iyalaje Iyalode of Ibadanland and a former president of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, praised the governor’s inclusive style of governance, noting that his administration engages traditional rulers, women, people with disabilities, and other stakeholders across the state.

“How Governor Makinde has spread physical and public works across all the zones of the state is absolutely laudable,” she said. “He is the people’s governor. I am particularly impressed by the way he has stood out in terms of workers’ and pensioners’ welfare, which has in turn boosted the people’s purchasing power.”

Akande also spoke on the state’s economic performance under Makinde, citing recent data from Nairametrics which placed Oyo State second only to Lagos in Value Added Tax contributions to the federal purse. She added that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue had grown from N1.8 billion in 2019 to N6 billion in 2024.

“The governor has also transformed Fasola Farm Estate into an industrial hub,” she said. “As a former Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, I know that industrialisation is the key to economic development, employment generation and poverty alleviation.”

Akande urged Makinde to remain committed to his development agenda, adding that his legacy is already being built.

“Governor Seyi Makinde is a transformational achiever whose life has been that of service and honour. He has touched many lives, including mine, in many positive ways. I congratulate him,” she said.