Seyi Makinde

Early Life and Background

Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde was born on December 25, 1967, in Oja'ba, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. He hails from a family with a strong emphasis on education and community service. His father, Pa Olatunbosun Makinde, was a respected retired teacher, while his mother, Mrs. Abigail Makinde, was a homemaker. Growing up in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde was exposed to the vibrant cultural and political landscape of the region from an early age. His formative years were spent navigating the educational system in Ibadan, where he demonstrated early signs of intelligence and leadership potential. The values of hard work, integrity, and dedication were instilled in him by his parents, shaping his future endeavors in both business and public service.

Education

Makinde's educational journey began at St. Michael Primary School, located in Yemetu, Ibadan, where he completed his primary education. Following this, he proceeded to Bishop Phillips Academy, Monatan, Ibadan, for his secondary education, successfully completing his West African School Certificate (WASC) in 1985. His pursuit of higher education led him to the University of Lagos, where he enrolled to study Electrical Engineering. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) degree in Electrical Engineering in 1990, demonstrating a strong aptitude for the technical field.

Beyond his foundational academic degrees, Seyi Makinde has continually invested in professional development and specialized training. He undertook training in Industrial Control and Instrumentation in Houston, Texas, USA, and further specialized in Safety Shut-down System also in Houston, USA. To broaden his managerial capabilities, he obtained a Certificate in Engineering Management from Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland. His expertise in the petroleum sector was further honed through training in Petroleum Economics and Management in France. Recognizing the importance of leadership in his burgeoning career, Makinde also participated in leadership training programs at the prestigious London Business School and completed the Advanced Leadership Program (ALP) at the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge, underscoring his commitment to continuous learning and professional excellence.

Career

Seyi Makinde's professional career commenced with his mandatory National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program at Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) of Nigeria. Upon completing his service, he continued with Shell as a field engineer, gaining valuable practical experience in the oil and gas industry. In 1992, he transitioned to Rebold International Limited, where he worked as a Sales Engineer, a role he held until 1997. His exceptional performance and leadership qualities led to his promotion to General Manager of Rebold International Limited in 1997.

Demonstrating entrepreneurial vision, Makinde founded Makon Engineering and Technical Services Limited (METS) in 1997, a pivotal move that marked the beginning of his successful venture as a business owner. METS quickly grew to become a significant indigenous player in the Nigerian oil and gas sector, providing specialized engineering, procurement, construction, and commissioning services. Under his astute leadership as the Group Managing Director, the Makon Group expanded its operations, establishing other subsidiaries such as Makon Construction Limited and Makon Oil and Gas Limited, cementing its reputation for delivering high-quality services and contributing to local content development in Nigeria's energy industry.

Makinde's foray into politics began in 2007 when he contested for the Oyo South Senatorial District seat under the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), though he was unsuccessful. Undeterred, he shifted his focus to the gubernatorial race, aspiring to govern Oyo State. In 2011, he vied for the governorship under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) but did not secure the party's ticket. He made another attempt in 2015, this time contesting under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) after a fallout with the PDP leadership, but again, his bid was unsuccessful. His persistence finally paid off in 2019 when, under the banner of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he contested and won the gubernatorial election, defeating his closest rival, Adebayo Adelabu of the All Progressives Congress (APC). He was sworn in as the 28th Executive Governor of Oyo State on May 29, 2019. His administration secured a second term in office after he was re-elected in the March 18, 2023 gubernatorial election, further solidifying his political standing.

Major Achievements

As Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde has championed several transformative initiatives across key sectors. In education, he declared free and qualitative education in public primary and secondary schools, abolished all forms of school fees and levies, and increased the budgetary allocation to the sector. His administration embarked on the massive recruitment of 5,000 teachers into the state's public primary and secondary schools and initiated significant rehabilitation projects for school infrastructure, including classrooms and laboratories. In healthcare, he prioritized the revitalization of primary healthcare centers, aiming to have at least one functional primary healthcare center in each of the 351 wards of the state. He also oversaw the recruitment of medical professionals and implemented robust measures to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, earning commendation for his proactive approach.

Infrastructure development has been a cornerstone of his administration, with extensive road construction and rehabilitation projects across the state. Notable projects include the construction of the 65-kilometer Moniya-Iseyin road, the 21-kilometer Ajia-Airport-Amuloko road, the 12-kilometer Apete-Awotan-Akufo road, and the rehabilitation of the 110-kilometer Ibadan Circular Road. The 'Light-Up Oyo' project was also initiated to enhance security and economic activities through street lighting. In the economy and agriculture sectors, Makinde's government focused on agribusiness as a pillar for economic diversification. He established the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency (OYSADA) and initiated projects like the Omi-Adio (Ibadan) Agribusiness Industrial Hub, alongside linking agricultural zones with improved road networks such as the Iseyin-Oyo-Ogbomoso road. Security was also a major focus, leading to the establishment and operationalization of the Amotekun (South West Security Network) in Oyo State to complement federal security agencies. Furthermore, his administration has been consistently praised for the regular payment of salaries and pensions to civil servants and retirees, fostering improved workers' welfare and morale. His commitment to good governance has been reflected in efforts to promote transparency and accountability in public service.

Personal Life

Seyi Makinde is married to Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde (née Ochei), and their union is blessed with three children: two daughters, Oluwadamilola and Oluwapamilerin, and a son, Oluwatofunmi. He is a devout Christian. Beyond his demanding public and business life, Makinde maintains a keen interest in sports and reading. He is also actively involved in philanthropy through the Seyi Makinde Foundation (SMF), which he established. The foundation focuses on empowering youths and promoting community development, primarily through educational support and various humanitarian initiatives, reflecting his commitment to societal betterment even before his gubernatorial tenure.

Legacy

Seyi Makinde's legacy is shaping up to be one of persistent political ambition combined with a technocratic approach to governance. He is widely regarded as a leader who successfully transitioned from a highly successful private sector career into public service, bringing with him a results-oriented mindset. His administration's emphasis on human capital development through free education and improved healthcare, coupled with ambitious infrastructure projects, aims to lay a solid foundation for sustainable development in Oyo State. Makinde has also played a crucial role in strengthening the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West region of Nigeria, demonstrating significant political acumen. His re-election in 2023 underscores the public's confidence in his leadership and his vision for a prosperous Oyo State, positioning him as a significant figure in contemporary Nigerian politics known for his commitment to good governance and welfare of the populace.