Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, commonly referred to as Governor Seyi Makinde or ‘GSM,’ is a multifaceted individual who has made significant contributions as a businessman, politician, and philanthropist.
Early Life and Background
Born on December 25, 1967, in Oja’ba, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, Seyi Makinde is the son of Pa Olatubosun Makinde and Abigail Makinde from the Aigbofa Compound. As of 2022, he is 55 years old.
Education
Seyi Makinde began his educational journey at St Paul Primary School and St Michael Primary School in Yemetu, Ibadan, for his elementary education. He continued his secondary education at Bishop Phillips Academy, Monatan, Ibadan. Subsequently, he pursued a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering at the University of Lagos.
Makinde’s pursuit of knowledge didn’t end with his degree; he furthered his education by obtaining certifications in various fields. He became a Safety Shutdown System expert in 1998 through Industrial Control Services in Houston, Texas. He also developed Analytical Competence for Managing Operations in 1999 at Lagos Business School (now Pan-Atlantic University). Additionally, he earned certification in Fundamentals of Crude Sampling in 2002 at the Jiskoot Auto Control Training Center in Kent, England, and another certification from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States in 2005.
Career
After graduating from the University of Lagos, Seyi Makinde embarked on his career journey. He completed his mandatory one-year national service at the Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC), gaining valuable experience as a pupil engineer. Over the years, he worked in various capacities, managing and participating in several major initiatives. He served as a field Engineer for Rebold International Limited from 1992 to 1997, eventually being promoted to field manager in 1995.
In 1997, Seyi Makinde founded his oil and gas private company, Makon Engineering and Technical Services (METS), following years of experience working with significant oil and gas firms. His entrepreneurial spirit and expertise in gas and fluid metering contributed to his success in the industry.
Political Journey
Seyi Makinde ventured into politics in 2007 when he contested to represent Oyo South Senatorial district at the National Assembly under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP). However, he lost to Kamoru Adedibu of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). He later switched to the PDP to recontest for the same position in 2010 but was unsuccessful in the primary.
Undeterred by previous setbacks, Seyi Makinde continued his political journey. In 2014, he vied for the PDP gubernatorial ticket but did not secure it in the primary. He then switched to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and won the party’s gubernatorial ticket for the 2015 general election. However, he finished third in the race.
In September 2017, Seyi Makinde returned to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) after extensive consultations and discussions with national leaders, Oyo State leaders, and Social Democratic Party (SDP) stakeholders. In 2018, he emerged as the PDP gubernatorial candidate for Oyo State in the 2019 general elections, securing victory with 515,621 votes in the general election.
He was subsequently sworn in as the 28th executive Governor of Oyo State on May 29, 2019, succeeding Late Senator Abiola Ajimobi.
Marriage and Family
Seyi Makinde is married to Tamunominini Makinde, and the couple is blessed with three children named Feyi, Tayo, and Tobi.
Net Worth
Seyi Makinde publicly declared his assets to be worth over 48 billion naira. However, it’s important to note that NewsWireNgr cannot independently verify his current net worth.
Achievements
Seyi Makinde is a member of several national and international professional bodies, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Council for Regulations of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Oil and Gas Design Engineers of Nigeria (OGDEN), International Society of Automation (ISA), Institute of Measurement and Control UK, and American Measurement Institute (AMI).
Awards and Recognitions
Seyi Makinde has received numerous awards and recognitions throughout his career, including:
- Nigerian Union of Journalists (Oyo State Council) – Laudable Contribution to Humanity Merit Award.
- National Association of Oke-Ogun Students (Ibadan) – Merit Award.
- Fiditi Grammar School (Oyo State) – Old Student Merit Award.
- Entrepreneurial Excellence Award – Junior Chamber International (JCI).
- Sports Writers Association of Nigeria Award.
- Nigerian Association of Social Workers Merit Awards (Oyo State Chapter).
- CCII National Merit Award.
- Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (Ibadan) – Astute Politician of the Year 2018.
Philanthropic Activities
Seyi Makinde has been actively involved in philanthropy and has initiated various projects and activities to benefit the community. Some of his philanthropic endeavors include:
- Construction of a gas-powered turbine to generate independent power/electricity at Ajia Town in Ibadan.
- Construction of a block of classrooms for Bishop Oyebode Memorial Primary School in Agugu,