The Oyo State Government has announced a detailed programme of activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the creation of the state, popularly referred to as Oyo @ 50.
The activities were unveiled on Tuesday at a press conference held at the Governor’s Office Briefing Room, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Addressing journalists, the Chairman of the Oyo State @ 50 Anniversary Committee and former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Saheed Akinade-Fijabi, said the golden jubilee celebration is aimed at commemorating five decades of growth, development, cultural heritage and resilience of the state.
According to Akinade-Fijabi, the anniversary is designed as a collective celebration for all residents of Oyo State, providing an opportunity to reflect on shared values, cultural expressions and the state’s journey since its creation in 1976.
He announced that the celebration will commence on Monday, January 26, 2026, with an opening ceremony scheduled for 10 a.m. at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, where Governor Seyi Makinde is expected to formally declare the programme open.
The committee chairman disclosed that activities will continue on Tuesday, January 27, with a statewide health outreach and film shows. He explained that the health outreach will be conducted across the 33 local government areas of the state, targeting residents aged 50 years and above, as well as others requiring medical attention. The film shows, he added, will hold in Ibadan, Ibarapa, Oyo, Ogbomoso, Oke Ogun I and Oke Ogun II to showcase the state’s contributions to theatre and entertainment.
Akinade-Fijabi further revealed that an anniversary carnival walk will take place on Wednesday, January 28, with artisans, students, traders and other residents participating in a procession from Mapo Hall to the Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan.
He identified the symposium scheduled for Thursday, January 29, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, as one of the major highlights of the celebration. The symposium, themed “Consolidating the Legacy: Navigating the Present and Reimagining the Future,” will feature Prof. Olu Ajakaiye as lead speaker, alongside Prof. Olanrewaju Olaniyan, Prof. Dikirulahi Yagboyaju and Dr. Durodola Kamoru Ogunsesan.
According to him, a Jumat service will hold on Friday, January 30, at the Ibadan Central Mosque, while an Isese service for traditional worshippers is scheduled for Saturday.
Also on Saturday, January 31, 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 former Super Eagles star and Oyo State indigene, Mutiu Adepoju.
Akinade-Fijabi said a thanksgiving service will take place on Sunday, February 1, at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Aremo, Ibadan, followed by an event tagged “An Afternoon with the Elderly and Persons Living with Disabilities,” to be held at the Omololu Olunloyo Park, Airport Road, Ibadan.
He added that on Monday, February 2, the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde, will visit selected primary and secondary schools across the state to present gifts to pupils and students, and later host a women empowerment programme in commemoration of the anniversary.
The grand finale, he said, will hold on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, marking exactly 50 years since the creation of Oyo State. The event will feature a Gala and Award Night at the newly built Banquet Hall, Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, to honour the state’s 17 former governors and military administrators, as well as individuals who have contributed to the state’s development.
Akinade-Fijabi called on indigenes and residents of Oyo State, both at home and in the diaspora, to participate actively in the celebrations.
