Governor Seyi Makinde is steadily transforming Oyo State into one of Nigeria’s most promising subnational economies. Through visionary policies in agribusiness, infrastructure, education, and digital innovation, Makinde has laid the foundation for Oyo to emerge as not only the food capital of Nigeria but a serious contender in national economic rankings—poised to rival even Lagos State in internally generated revenue (IGR).
🧑🌾 Agriculture as Economic Power
Under his leadership, Oyo State has seen a resurgence in commercial agriculture. The Fasola Agribusiness Industrial Hub in Oyo town, the IITA-backed youth in agribusiness programs, and partnerships with the private sector have created thousands of jobs and improved food production capacity.
The 2024 mid-year report by the National Bureau of Statistics ranks Oyo among the top-performing states in agriculture-based GDP growth. Governor Makinde’s inclusive approach has attracted local and foreign investors while empowering rural farmers and young entrepreneurs.
🗳️ Political Capital and 2027 Calculations
This strong economic foundation has also elevated Governor Makinde’s political capital. Widely regarded as one of the most competent state executives in Nigeria, he has built a reputation that transcends party lines. His influence will be put to the test again during the Ibadan North Federal Constituency by-election on August 16, where political observers say a win for his preferred candidate will reaffirm his role as the political powerbroker in Oyo.
Having raised the bar of governance, Makinde has not only changed expectations of leadership in Oyo State but also set the tone for a competitive 2027 gubernatorial race. As his second term winds down, the pressure will mount for any successor to match or surpass the economic and infrastructural strides already made.
🚨 Security: The Final Piece of the Puzzle
Despite these achievements, one challenge remains persistent—security. While Governor Makinde’s backing of the Amotekun Corps has helped curtail criminal activities in urban and semi-urban areas, remote and rural locations remain volatile.
A personal experience during a location scouting trip for a feature film in Oyo revealed just how deep the issue runs. The Agbaku and Ayoku Caves, two of Oyo's most naturally beautiful and potentially tourism-generating sites, have reportedly become unsafe due to the activities of bandits and kidnappers. Locals strongly warned against venturing into those areas without military-grade protection.
This reality underscores the urgent need for a state-centric security strategy—whether or not state police becomes constitutionally approved. The next administration must prioritize internal security if Oyo is to realize its full tourism and revenue potential.
To truly compete with Lagos in revenue generation, Oyo must secure its borders, harness its tourism assets, and deepen investment in security architecture. With the economic groundwork already laid by Governor Makinde, a secure and stable Oyo can become Nigeria’s next economic powerhouse.
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