While the late Aboderin was honoured with the Media Icon Award, Akande received the Merit Award of Excellence. Speaking at the event, Governor Seyi Makinde traced his personal journey to the free education policy of the late Chief Bola Ige, describing it as a defining pillar of the state’s legacy. That is Oyo State, the beauty of what we are celebrating today. “Infrastructure renewal, security reforms and urban modernisation later became defining priorities, helping the state overcome periods of tension and institutional testing. The PUNCH reports that Makinde inaugurated the state’s 50th anniversary on Monday, January 26, at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

Source: Punch February 04, 2026 17:20 UTC