Oyo State at 50: My Roots, My Journey, My Pride.

Oyo State is 50.

For some, it is just a place on the map.
For me, it is the soil that raised me, the air that shaped my thinking, and the constant I keep returning to no matter how far life tries to stretch me.

Over 28 years ago, I was born in Ogbomoso, Oyo State. That single fact alone ties my story permanently to this land. My earliest memories, my first sense of belonging, and my understanding of community all began here.
Oyo State did not just witness my birth, it became my first teacher.

Myself as Ogbomoso’s pride

I went on to have my primary and secondary education in Ibarapa, also within Oyo State. Those years were formative. They taught me discipline, resilience, and the quiet confidence that comes from growing up surrounded by people who believe in hard work and character. Long before certificates and titles, Oyo State helped build my foundation.

Myself as Ibarapa’s pride.

Like many young people searching for growth, I eventually left the state for Ogun State, where I pursued my first degree and completed my NYSC. That phase of my life expanded my worldview and exposed me to new environments and challenges. Yet, even while away, Oyo State remained my reference point; the place I measured home against.

After that journey, I returned this time to Ibadan to pursue my Masters degree which I’m currently pursuing. Coming back felt intentional. It was a decision rooted in identity. I was not just returning to study I was returning to invest my growth, knowledge, and future back into the state that raised me.

Myself as Ibadan’s pride.

Professionally, life took me briefly to Lagos State, where I secured a job and worked for almost three years. Lagos is known for speed, pressure, and competition but here is the part of my story I hold dear the role was remote, which meant I practiced my profession entirely from Oyo State. My skills served a wider market, but my daily life, productivity, and stability were anchored right here.

That matters to me.

It proves that excellence does not require relocation. It proves that growth can happen at home. And it proves that Oyo State is not just a place people leave, it is a place people can thrive.

As Oyo State marks 50 years, I celebrate more than its age. I celebrate its role in my personal journey from birth to education, from ambition to achievement. I am a proud citizen of Oyo State, and even prouder to be doing well in Oyo State.

My story is just one among millions, but it stands as evidence that roots matter. Oyo State is not only where I come from, it is part of who I am becoming.

Happy 50th Anniversary, Oyo State.
My home. My heritage. My pride.

Note: The pictures here were created using Canva through a public link that was shared for frame creation for the 50th-year celebration.