Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has signed into law the Executive Bill establishing the Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development (OYMASED), emphasizing his administration’s commitment to prioritizing economic development to address major state challenges. The signing ceremony took place at the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Tuesday.
In a press release signed by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser (Media) to the Governor, it was announced that Dr. Morohunkola Thomas, former Commissioner for Education and current Special Adviser on Socio-Economic Development, has been appointed as the Director-General of the newly established agency.
Governor Makinde stated, “We are here today to sign one of the most important laws that will shape the future of this administration and our dear state: the Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development Bill (2024).”
The governor expressed gratitude to Prof. Jerry Gana, the former Director of the Mass Mobilization for Self Reliance, Social Justice, and Economic Recovery (MAMSER), whose pioneering role inspired the creation of OYMASED. He also thanked the members of the House of Assembly for their timely passage of the Bill and their continued collaboration with his administration.
Governor Makinde noted, “With OYMASED, we have an agency that will clarify abstract ideas in our state economic policies and educate our people about the law and political process. This agency will serve as a rallying point for several key MDAs of the government.”
He added, “As a country, we must prioritize production, and we cannot be productive without mobilizing our people behind our goals. When we broaden our productive base, we can address poverty and move our people towards prosperity. There is hunger in the land, and it does not reflect where we should be as a nation. We must create a framework to harness our potential through mobilization, sensitization, and advocacy. This agency is a key part of that framework.”
Makinde emphasized the importance of continuous education and clear communication in gaining the public’s trust, highlighting OYMASED’s role in the ongoing mobilization and sensitization of Oyo State’s diverse demographics for social, economic, political, and environmental development.
Speaking at the OYMASED office during its commissioning, Governor Makinde reiterated the need for strong institutions rather than strong individuals to ensure the state’s continued progress. “This administration will be defined not by road constructions or infrastructure, but by the institutions we are putting in place. We don’t need strong men in Oyo State; we need strong institutions.”
Makinde commended Dr. Morohunkola Thomas for his willingness to serve, noting his previous role under the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi. He stressed the importance of inclusivity, stating, “We don’t care about political affiliations. If you have something significant to contribute to the development of Oyo State, we will find you and bring you on board.”
Former Minister of Information and National Orientation, Professor Jerry Gana, praised Governor Makinde for his visionary leadership and the establishment of OYMASED. Gana described the agency as a crucial initiative that would accelerate development and transformation in the state by involving and mobilizing the people, who are the major stakeholders in governance.
Presenting the bill, Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin, thanked the governor for his unwavering passion for the state’s development. He stated that the bill embodies collective aspirations to lay a robust framework that would drive community growth.
Dr. Thomas, the newly appointed Director-General of OYMASED, assured that the agency’s objectives would be achieved, and that the Makinde administration would leave a lasting legacy for future administrations.
Governor Makinde concluded, “We are not doing this for optics, but because we know that when our people are mobilized behind government policies, we can achieve our goals faster.”
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