You have to admire the sheer audacity of some APC loyalists in Oyo State. With the economy in ruins under their party at the federal level, they have suddenly found the courage to stage protests not against President Tinubu’s reckless borrowing spree, not against the hunger and chaos APC has unleashed on Nigeria but against Governor Seyi Makinde for daring to take loans that actually build things. If irony were a commodity, APC youths would have made Oyo State rich by now.
Makinde Borrows to Build, APC Borrows to Bury
Since 2019, Seyi Makinde has turned Oyo into a construction site of progress. Roads like Moniya–Iseyin, Saki–Ogbooro–Igboho, and countless rural linkages have been completed. Ibadan bus terminals now give commuters a taste of modern transport. The “Light Up Oyo” project has brightened highways and boosted security.
Makinde’s touch isn’t just asphalt and concrete. He rebuilt the centuries-old Akesan Market after it was gutted by fire—releasing almost ₦800 million to restore a historic lifeline for traders. He’s invested in schools, renovated classrooms, provided free exam fees, and revived agriculture through the Fasola Agribusiness Hub, which has pulled in billions in private capital and created jobs.
Ongoing Projects from the Loan
Some of the loan APC youths are wailing about has been strategically invested to propel Oyo State forward. Chief among them:
• Ibadan Airport Upgrade: The airport is being transformed to International Standard, capable of handling larger passenger volumes, boosting trade, tourism, and foreign investment. This is infrastructure that directly positions Oyo as a commercial hub.
• Ijaye International Market: Soon to become the second-largest market in West Africa, Ijaye Market will attract traders and buyers from across Nigeria and beyond, creating thousands of jobs and stimulating commerce.
These projects are tangible, economic-impact investments not empty vanity spending like some APC projects at the federal level.
The Revenue Miracle Nobody Talks About
Let’s not forget the revenue story. In 2019, Oyo barely scraped together ₦1.6 billion a month in Internally Generated Revenue. Fast forward to 2024, and the state is clocking over ₦8 billion monthly. Annual IGR hit ₦65 billion last year an increase of nearly 150%. That’s not small talk that’s what smart policies, investment plans, and transparent governance look like.
Now compare this with the APC-led federal government that keeps borrowing trillions only to deliver more hunger, more joblessness, and more corruption.
Healthcare and Security: Where APC Fails, Makinde Delivers
Makinde also understood something APC never did: people can’t thrive without healthcare and safety. That’s why he rolled out the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme, expanded healthcare facilities across the state, and refurbished over 200 primary health centres so that rural communities are not abandoned.
On security, Oyo residents can finally sleep with two eyes closed. The Amotekun Corps, launched under his leadership, has drastically reduced kidnappings, robberies, and bandit attacks. And he has further strengthened security by acquiring two security aircraft for surveillance and rapid response ensuring Oyo is not only safe for its citizens but also attractive to foreign and local investors.
Makinde Raises The Youth When Others Fail
Youth Entrepreneurship in Agribusiness Project (YEAP) trained over 3,300 youths in modern agrifood value chains, enabling them to become agro-entrepreneurs.
Through partnerships with ITF and Total E&P, an additional 125 youths benefited from entrepreneurial training.
Other initiatives include fashion design training for 40 youth, literacy training for 345 out-of-school youths, and agricultural and non–oil export skills training for 120 youths.
The Start Them Early Programme (STEP) reaches secondary school students, with approximately 1,500 pupils trained in agribusiness value-chain skills.
The governor’s collaboration with FCMB introduced a ₦1.5 billion loan scheme, including ₦500 million for YEAP alumni empowerment.
These programs significantly enhance youth employability, self-reliance, and economic participation in agribusiness and related sectors.
APC’s Selective Amnesia
When President Tinubu approved billions for the Lagos–Calabar Coastal Road or airport renovations that enrich contractors but do nothing for Nigerians, these APC “youths” were silent. But let Makinde use a loan to build Ibadan Airport to international standards and develop Ijaye Market projects that create jobs and wealt and suddenly, the protest placards come out. Hypocrisy, thy name is APC.
Hon. Ibrahim Shittu: A Case Study in Incompetence
Then there’s Hon. Ibrahim Shittu, Oyo State Assembly member, who has been shouting loudest. The truth? Shittu has delivered virtually nothing to his constituents. He seems to find his voice only when opposing Makinde. If incompetence were an Olympic sport, he’d win gold.
The Real Protest Oyo Needs
Oyo people see the difference between Makinde’s people-focused governance and APC’s empty promises. Loans, when used wisely, build roads, hospitals, markets, airports, and security systems. Loans that enrich a few cronies? That’s Abuja under APC.
So next time APC youths want to protest, they should head to Abuja.
Protest hunger.
Protest collapsing naira.
Protest vanity projects. Until then, their staged anger against Makinde remains a comedy show nobody is buying tickets for.
