By Ayomide Otitoju
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has emphasized the need to strengthen Nigeria’s economy to ensure long-term prosperity and resilience. Speaking at the funeral service of his late brother, Engr. Olufunmilayo Sunday Makinde, at Bishop Akinyele Memorial Anglican Church, Ibadan, the governor stated that economic growth must be prioritized through entrepreneurship, improved education, and infrastructure development.
Makinde argued that despite Nigeria’s vast natural resources, the country’s citizens may continue to face poverty unless its leadership implements effective economic policies. He cited Venezuela, which, despite having one of the world’s largest oil reserves, struggles economically, while Finland has achieved remarkable growth by prioritizing human capital development.
“The country with the highest oil reserves in the world is Venezuela, yet it remains poor. Prosperity is not guaranteed by natural resources alone,” Makinde said. “We must focus on raising entrepreneurs and improving education standards.”
The governor highlighted that Oyo State has consistently allocated over 20% of its budget to education, in line with UNESCO recommendations. He noted that this investment is necessary to equip individuals with the skills to transform Nigeria’s natural resources into economic opportunities.
He also stressed the need for Nigeria to prepare for shifts in global energy trends, moving beyond dependence on oil. “The First Industrial Revolution was coal, and Nigeria was wealthy then. But the world moved to oil, and soon, it will move to something else. We must build an economy that can weather all storms,” he added.
Tribute to Late Brother
Makinde paid tribute to his late brother, describing him as a selfless and devoted family man. He recounted how Engr. Makinde sacrificed his university education to join the Navy, ensuring that his younger siblings had access to better opportunities.
Expressing his grief, Makinde said, “I didn’t expect him to pass so soon. I thought he would live to at least 85, while I would be 78. His death was sudden, but we submit to the will of God.”
To honor his brother’s legacy, Makinde announced a donation of N25 million to the church. “Sundo’s legacy was truth without compromise, forgiveness without holding back, and transparency in all dealings. We must live in a way that glorifies God, so that, like Martha in the Bible, we can have faith in resurrection,” he said.
Call for Better Resource Management
Earlier in his sermon, Bishop Williams Aladekungbe of the Ibadan North Anglican Diocese underscored the importance of proper resource management in Nigeria. He lamented the country’s continued economic struggles despite its wealth of natural resources and warned against excessive borrowing.
“There is something fundamentally wrong with how we manage our resources. If we continue this way, we will remain stuck,” the bishop stated. “We must stamp out corruption and ensure that national wealth benefits all citizens, not just a few powerful individuals.”
Dignitaries in Attendance
The funeral service was attended by prominent figures, including the chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed; Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke; Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang; and Delta State Deputy Governor, Monday Onyeme.
Others included former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola; Acting PDP National Chairman, Ambassador Umar Iliya Damagum; and top government officials, legislators, traditional rulers, and religious leaders.
