Engr. Seyi Makinde, the executive governor of Oyo State has emerged as National Infinity Magazine’s Nigerian of the Year, 2023.
According to a press release signed by Olajide Ige, Editor-In-Chief of the magazine, Gov. Makinde is awarded the honour in recognition of the first-rate leadership qualities displayed since he took over as Oyo State governor in 2019.
The magazine described Makinde’s style of governance as people-centred and a moderniser who has turned around the fortunes of Oyo State for good and has improved the economy and well-being of its people.
Under his watch, Oyo State focused on economic development, job creation, and a better standard of living for all citizens. His policies have tripled the state’s internally generated revenue and brought about an economic resurgence.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Seyi Makinde’s reign as Governor is his successful efforts to attract investment from both Nigerian and international companies, with key investments coming from Dangote Group, Amara Technologies, and lots more. This has also been complemented by robust tax reforms to increase small business growth.
As a result of this investment in infrastructure and industry, the unemployment rate has reduced drastically over the past few years while employment opportunities have increased significantly. The government has also done well to invest in transportation networks to further improve Oyo State’s connectivity with other parts of Nigeria.
The impacts of Seyi Makinde’s good governance are felt everywhere in Oyo State and are undoubtedly driving long-term generational prosperity that continues to benefit its citizens today.
Also listed for honours at the award presentation slated for January 2024 are RevolutionPlus Properties Ltd., named Nigeria’s Most Trusted Real Estate company and OPAY, a one stop mobile banking system emerged as the best Payment Service Bank in 2023.
Past recipients of the Nigerian of the Year are which is now in its 13th edition are: Alhaji Aliko Dangote (2010), Rt. Hon, Aminu Tambuwal (2011) The Nigerian Mases (2012) Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2013), Ebola doctor, Late Dr. Stella Adadevoh and Ahmed Abdulfattah, Gov. Kwara State, (2014) Sen. Aisha JumaiAlhassan (2015) as well as Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja ll, Ooni of Ife (2017) while ‘the bullet-dodging governor’ Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum won in 2020, while Brig. Gen. Mohammed Buba Marwa was the winner in 2022.
