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Introduction

In the landscape of Nigerian politics, few figures have emerged with as much impact and dedication as Engr. Seyi Makinde, the current Governor of Oyo State. Born on December 25, 1967, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Makinde’s journey from a young engineer to a prominent political leader is both inspiring and instructive. His story is one of resilience, vision, and an unwavering commitment to public service.

This blog post delves into the life and career of Engr. Seyi Makinde, examining his early life, education, professional achievements, political ascent, and philanthropic efforts. By the end, you’ll have a comprehensive understanding of the man behind the office and the impact he continues to make in Oyo State and beyond.

Early Life and Education

Birth and Family Background

Engr. Seyi Makinde was born to Pa Olatubosun Makinde, a teacher turned accountant, and Madam Abigail Makinde of Aigbofa Compound in Oja’ba, Ibadan. Growing up in a middle-class family, he was instilled with values of hard work, integrity, and the importance of education.

Primary and Secondary Education

Makinde began his educational journey at St. Paul Primary School and completed his primary education at St. Michael Primary School, Yemetu, Ibadan. For his secondary education, he attended Bishop Phillips Academy, Monatan, Ibadan, where he excelled academically and demonstrated leadership qualities.

Tertiary Education

In 1985, Makinde gained admission to the University of Lagos (Unilag), where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering in 1990. His pursuit of knowledge didn’t stop there; he furthered his education with specialized training in various institutions:

• 1998: Industrial Control Services in Houston, Texas, focusing on Safety Shutdown Systems.

• 1999: Development of Analytical Competence for Managing Operations at Lagos Business School (now Pan-Atlantic University).

• 2002: Fundamentals of Crude Sampling at Jiskoot Auto Control Training Centre, Kent, England.

• 2005: Understanding and Solving Complex Business Problems at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA.

This robust educational foundation equipped Makinde with the technical expertise and analytical skills necessary for his future endeavors.

Professional Career

Early Career in the Oil and Gas Industry

After completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, Makinde embarked on a career in the oil and gas sector. He worked with Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC) of Nigeria, where he gained valuable experience in engineering and project management. Subsequently, he joined Rebold International Limited, serving as a Field Engineer and later as Field Manager, overseeing operations in Eket.

Entrepreneurship: Founding Makon Group

In 1997, at the age of 29, Makinde took a bold step into entrepreneurship by founding Makon Engineering and Technical Services Limited (METS). This venture marked the beginning of the Makon Group, which has since expanded to include several subsidiaries:

• Makon Oil and Gas Limited

• Makon Construction Limited

• Makon Power System Limited

• Energy Traders and Technical Services Limited

Under his leadership, the Makon Group has grown into a reputable indigenous company in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry, contributing to the nation’s economic development.

Political Journey

Initial Forays into Politics

Makinde’s interest in politics began in the early 2000s. In 2007, he contested for the Oyo South Senatorial seat under the platform of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) but lost to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidate. Undeterred, he contested again in 2010 under the PDP but lost the primary to the incumbent senator.

2015 Gubernatorial Bid

In 2014, Makinde aimed for the Oyo State 2015 governorship ticket under the PDP. However, he was denied the nomination. Subsequently, he defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and contested the 2015 gubernatorial election but came third. Despite this setback, he remained committed to his vision for the state’s development.

Return to PDP and 2019 Gubernatorial Election

In September 2017, Makinde returned to the PDP, stating that his decision was driven by the desire to find lasting solutions to the problems facing Oyo State. On September 29, 2018, he emerged as the PDP’s gubernatorial candidate for the 2019 general elections. He won the election with 515,621 votes, defeating his closest rival, Adebayo Adelabu of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Re-election in 2023

Makinde’s leadership and developmental strides resonated with the people of Oyo State, leading to his re-election in the 2023 general election. He was declared the winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on March 19, 2023, securing another term to continue his transformative agenda.

Governance and Achievements

Infrastructure Development

Since assuming office, Governor Makinde has prioritized infrastructural development across Oyo State. His administration has undertaken the construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, and public buildings, enhancing connectivity and accessibility within the state.

Education Reforms

Recognizing the importance of education, Makinde’s government has invested in the renovation and construction of schools, provision of learning materials, and welfare of teachers. These efforts aim to improve the quality of education and create a conducive learning environment for students.

Healthcare Initiatives

Governor Makinde has implemented policies to strengthen the healthcare sector, including the renovation of hospitals, provision of medical equipment, and recruitment of healthcare professionals. These initiatives aim to provide accessible and quality healthcare services to the people of Oyo State.

Economic Empowerment

Under his leadership, Oyo State has witnessed an increase in investments, leading to job creation and economic growth. The administration has also supported small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through various empowerment programs, fostering entrepreneurship and economic self-reliance.

Philanthropy and Community Engagement

Beyond his political and professional endeavors, Governor Makinde is known for his philanthropic activities. He has established scholarships for students, supported orphanages, and contributed to the welfare of the less privileged in society. His commitment to community development reflects his belief in uplifting the lives of the people he serves.

Estimated Net Worth

As of May 28, 2019, Governor Seyi Makinde publicly declared his assets, revealing a net worth exceeding ₦48 billion. This declaration included various assets such as shares, debentures, and other securities. Notably, he holds shares in several companies, including Makon Engineering and Technical Services Limited, Energy Traders and Technical Services Limited, Makon Oil and Gas Limited, Makon Group Limited, and Makon Construction Limited.

It’s important to note that asset declarations are subject to change over time due to various factors such as investments, market fluctuations, and business ventures. Therefore, while the 2019 declaration provides insight into his financial standing at that time, his current net worth may differ.

Summary Table

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Engr. Seyi Makinde’s educational background?
Engr. Seyi Makinde holds a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Lagos. He furthered his education with specialized training in various institutions, including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).

2. How did Seyi Makinde start his professional career?
After completing his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) program, Makinde worked with Shell Petroleum Development Company and later with Rebold International Limited in the oil and gas sector.

3. What is Makon Group?
Makon Group is an indigenous Nigerian company founded by Engr. Seyi Makinde in 1997. It comprises several subsidiaries, including Makon Engineering and Technical Services Limited, Makon Oil and Gas Limited, and Makon Construction Limited.