Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde biography explores the inspiring life of Oyo State Governor. Learn about his age, wife Tamunominini, children, business empire worth N48 billion, and political achievements.
Who is Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde?
Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde biography presents the extraordinary story of one of Nigeria’s most accomplished political leaders and business moguls. Popularly called Governor Seyi Makinde or ‘GSM’, this Electrical Engineering graduate from the University of Lagos has redefined what it means to combine entrepreneurial success with transformative governance.
What distinguishes Makinde from typical Nigerian politicians is his proven business acumen and genuine wealth creation before entering politics. He founded the Makon Group Limited, an indigenous oil and gas conglomerate, at age 29 in 1997, and built it into a powerhouse valued at over N48 billion. This business success gave him financial independence rare among Nigerian politicians, enabling him to pursue political office without desperation or dependency on political godfathers.
As Governor, Makinde has championed people-centred policies guided by his “Roadmap for Accelerated Development,” focusing on four key pillars: Education, Healthcare, Security, and Agribusiness. His administration has driven Oyo State’s economy from ₦2.75 trillion in 2019 to over ₦4.05 trillion by 2022, whilst increasing the state’s Internally Generated Revenue by over 90% despite the COVID-19 pandemic. His leadership style emphasizes transparency, evidenced by his unprecedented public declaration of assets worth N48 billion shortly after assuming office in 2019.
Essential Bio-Data: Governor Seyi Makinde at a Glance
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde |
| Popular Name | Seyi Makinde, GSM |
| Date of Birth | December 25, 1967 |
| Age | 57 years (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria |
| Hometown | Oja’ba, Aigbofa Compound, Ibadan |
| State of Origin | Oyo State, Nigeria |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Religion | Christianity |
| Wife | Mrs. Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde |
| Children | Three (Feyi, Tobi, and Tayo Makinde) |
| Father | Late Pa Olatubosun Makinde |
| Mother | Madam Abigail Makinde |
| Position in Family | Third child |
| Political Party | People’s Democratic Party (PDP) |
| Current Position | Governor of Oyo State (2019–Present) |
| Term | Second term (2023–2027) |
| Previous Governorship Attempt | 2015 (SDP – unsuccessful) |
| Declared Assets | Over N48 billion (2019) |
| Main Business | Makon Group Limited |
Childhood Memories and Family Heritage
Humble Beginnings in Ibadan
The Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde biography begins at Catholic Hospital Oluyoro, Ibadan, Oyo State, where he was delivered on Christmas Day 1967 to Pa Olatubosun Makinde and Madam Abigail Makinde. His birthplace in the Aigbofa Compound, Oja’ba area of Ibadan, remains symbolic of his deep rootedness in Yoruba culture and Ibadan heritage. Being born on December 25th made him a “Christmas gift” to his family, a coincidence he would later embrace as symbolic of bringing joy and transformation to others.
Parents’ Influence on Character Formation
Young Seyi grew up under the guidance of remarkable parents who instilled values that would shape his future success. His father, Pa Olatubosun Makinde, started his career as a teacher before transitioning into accountancy, demonstrating the importance of education and adaptability. This career evolution taught young Makinde that success requires continuous learning and the courage to reinvent oneself when necessary.
His mother, Madam Abigail Makinde, provided the nurturing foundation that balanced his father’s disciplinary influence. As the third child in the family, Seyi learned early about sharing, competition, and collaboration with siblings. The middle-class family environment meant resources were limited but values were abundant. His parents emphasized integrity, hard work, and responsibility—principles that would later define his business ethics and political philosophy.
Growing Up in 1970s and 1980s Ibadan
Makinde’s formative years coincided with significant periods in Nigerian history. Growing up during military regimes, economic booms and busts, he developed an acute awareness of how governance impacts ordinary citizens. Ibadan in the 1970s and 1980s was Nigeria’s largest city by land area, a bustling metropolis where traditional Yoruba culture intersected with modern aspirations. This environment exposed young Seyi to both the potential and challenges of urban Nigeria.
The socio-economic realities of his childhood taught him empathy for the struggles of average Nigerians. Unlike many children of privilege who would later enter politics, Makinde experienced firsthand what it meant to work hard for opportunities rather than having them handed down through family connections or inherited wealth.
Academic Excellence: From St. Paul’s to MIT
Primary and Secondary Education in Ibadan
Makinde’s educational journey commenced at St. Paul Primary School before he completed his elementary education at St. Michael Primary School, Yemetu, Ibadan. These mission schools, known for their discipline and academic rigour, laid the foundation for his future academic excellence. The structured learning environment helped develop his analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
For secondary education, he attended the prestigious Bishop Phillips Academy, Monatan, in Ibadan. This Anglican institution had a reputation for producing future leaders across various fields. At Bishop Phillips, young Makinde distinguished himself not only academically but also in his ability to relate with diverse personalities. His classmates remember him as focused, ambitious, and already demonstrating leadership qualities that would later characterize his adult life.
University of Lagos Years (1985-1990)
In 1985, Makinde secured admission into the University of Lagos (UNILAG) to study Electrical Engineering. This represented a significant achievement, as UNILAG was and remains one of Nigeria’s most competitive universities. His choice of Electrical Engineering was strategic, positioning him for opportunities in Nigeria’s growing oil and gas sector where engineering expertise commanded premium value.
During his five years at UNILAG, Makinde adopted an unusual lifestyle for a university student. In his own words, he had “no girlfriend throughout my five years at the University of Lagos,” earning himself the nickname “Jonzer” – campus slang for someone socially deficient without romantic relationships. However, this social sacrifice reflected his laser-focused determination to excel academically and prepare for a professional career. He graduated in 1990 with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree in Electrical Engineering, ready to enter Nigeria’s professional world.
Continuous Professional Development
What sets Makinde apart is his commitment to lifelong learning even after achieving success. In 1998, he trained in Industrial Control Services focusing on Safety Shutdown Systems in Houston, Texas. This specialization proved invaluable in the oil and gas industry where safety systems are critical.
In 1999, he pursued Development of Analytical Competence for Managing Operations at Lagos Business School (now Pan-Atlantic University), demonstrating his recognition that technical expertise alone wasn’t sufficient—he needed business management skills too. The year 2002 found him at Jiskoot Auto Control Training Centre in Kent, England, studying Fundamentals of Crude Sampling, further deepening his technical expertise.
Perhaps most impressively, in 2005, Makinde attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States for a programme on Understanding and Solving Complex Business Problems. This MIT credential placed him among an elite group of Nigerians who have studied at one of the world’s most prestigious institutions. This continued education throughout his career shows a growth mindset rare among successful entrepreneurs who often become complacent after initial success.
Business Empire: Building Makon Group from Scratch
Early Career Years (1990-1997)
Upon graduating from UNILAG in 1990, Makinde joined Shell Petroleum Development Company as a pupil engineer. This two-year stint from 1990 to 1992 proved invaluable, exposing him to international standards of engineering practice and corporate operations. Shell’s rigorous training programmes and operational excellence culture shaped his professional standards and showed him what world-class companies looked like from the inside.
After Shell, he moved to Rebold International Limited, another player in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Between 1992 and 1997, Makinde gained diverse experience in designing, installing, and supervising oil and gas facilities. These seven years of professional employment provided him with technical expertise, industry connections, and crucially, insights into the market gaps that an indigenous company could fill.
Founding Makon Engineering at Age 29
In 1997, at just 29 years old, Makinde took the entrepreneurial plunge, establishing Makon Engineering and Technical Services Limited (METS). This decision required courage, as leaving secure employment to start a business in Nigeria’s challenging economic environment was risky. However, Makinde had identified opportunities in fluid and gas metering, an area where indigenous companies were scarce but demand was high.
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Expansion into Makon Group
METS’ early success enabled Makinde to diversify and expand, eventually creating the Makon Group Limited—a conglomerate encompassing multiple companies across related sectors. The group’s entities include Makon Engineering and Technical Services Limited, Energy Traders and Technical Services Limited, Makon Oil and Gas Limited, Makon Group Limited, Makon Construction Limited, and Makon Power System Limited.
This diversification strategy demonstrated business acumen beyond engineering. Instead of putting all eggs in one basket, Makinde built an integrated group where companies could support each other. For instance, Makon Construction could handle infrastructure for projects that Makon Engineering designed, while Makon Power Systems addressed energy needs for installations managed by Makon Oil and Gas.
Technical Expertise and Professional Recognition
Makinde became recognized as a subject matter expert in fluid and gas metering, a highly specialized field requiring both engineering knowledge and practical experience. His expertise earned him membership in prestigious 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).
These memberships weren’t just ceremonial—they reflected his genuine contribution to engineering practice in Nigeria. He participated in setting industry standards and sharing knowledge with younger engineers. His business success was built on real technical competence rather than political connections, making his eventual political career stand on a foundation of demonstrated achievement.
Complete Career Evolution Timeline
| Period | Career Milestone | Achievement/Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 1990-1992 | Pupil Engineer at Shell | Foundation in international oil & gas standards |
| 1992-1997 | Engineer at Rebold International | Gained expertise in facility design and installation |
| 1997 | Founded METS at age 29 | Started entrepreneurial journey |
| 1997-2007 | Built Makon Group companies | Created multibillion-naira business empire |
| 2007 | Contested Oyo South Senatorial | First political attempt under ANPP |
| 2010 | Aspired for 2011 Senate seat | Lost PDP primary election |
| 2014 | Sought PDP governorship ticket | Denied nomination, defected to SDP |
| 2015 | Gubernatorial candidate (SDP) | Came third with over 50,000 votes |
| 2017 | Returned to PDP | Strategic political repositioning |
| Sept 2018 | Won PDP gubernatorial primary | Polled 2,772 votes at Liberty Stadium |
| March 2019 | Elected Governor | Defeated APC with 515,621 votes |
| May 2019 | Inaugurated as Governor | 28th Executive Governor of Oyo State |
| July 2019 | Public asset declaration | Declared N48 billion in assets |
| 2019-2023 | First term as Governor | Implemented Roadmap for Accelerated Development |
| April 2022 | Declared re-election bid | Responded to public demand |
| March 2023 | Re-elected Governor | Won second term convincingly |
| May 2023-Present | Second term in progress | Focus on Sustainable Development 2023-2027 |
Political Journey: From Failed Attempts to Victory
First Political Foray (2007)
Makinde’s entry into politics came in 2007 when he contested for the Oyo South Senatorial seat under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) platform. This first attempt ended unsuccessfully, with victory going to the People’s Democratic Party candidate, Kamoru Adedibu. However, this defeat provided valuable lessons about Nigeria’s political landscape, campaign strategies, and the difference between business success and political victory.
Persistence Through Multiple Defeats (2010-2015)
Undeterred, Makinde switched to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and in 2010 aspired for the Oyo South 2011 Senatorial seat. Unfortunately, he lost the party primary to the incumbent senator. Rather than give up politics entirely, he refocused his ambition on the governorship position.
In 2014, Makinde sought the PDP governorship ticket for the 2015 elections. After the primary election concluded in December 2014, he was denied the nomination ticket. This rejection represented a turning point. Instead of withdrawing, he defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), under which he contested the 2015 Oyo State gubernatorial election. He came third, garnering over 50,000 votes—a respectable showing that proved his political viability even without a major party platform.
Strategic Return to PDP (2017)
In September 2017, following extensive consultations with national leaders, Oyo State leaders, elders of the Social Democratic Party, and strategic partners, Engineer Seyi Makinde made the calculated decision to return to the People’s Democratic Party. The Caretaker National Chairman of PDP, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, personally visited him in Ibadan to facilitate this reunion.
Makinde maintained that rejoining PDP wasn’t for personal gain but for Oyo State’s development and finding lasting solutions to problems facing the state. This strategic move positioned him within a stronger party structure with better chances of winning the 2019 governorship election.
Historic Victory in 2019
On September 29, 2018, Makinde emerged as the gubernatorial candidate of the People’s Democratic Party for the 2019 general elections, polling 2,772 votes at the primary election held at Liberty Stadium, Oke-Ado in Ibadan. This nomination set the stage for the main contest.
On March 9, 2019, Makinde polled 515,621 votes, decisively defeating his closest rival, Adebayo Adelabu of the All Progressive Party who garnered 357,982 votes. This victory was particularly sweet because it ended eight years of APC rule under Late Senator Abiola Ajimobi. Makinde’s win represented a rejection of continuity and an embrace of his message of transformation and people-centred governance.
Swearing-In and First Term (2019-2023)
On May 29, 2019, Makinde was sworn in as the 28th Executive Governor of Oyo State. His inauguration speech emphasized transparency, accountability, and inclusive governance. Within months, he fulfilled his campaign promise by publicly declaring his assets—an unprecedented move that set him apart from typical Nigerian politicians.
Throughout his first term, Makinde focused on executing his Roadmap for Accelerated Development. Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, his administration maintained project delivery momentum, earning him widespread approval from Oyo State residents who clamoured for his re-election.
Emphatic Re-election in 2023
On April 7, 2022, responding to overwhelming public demand, Makinde declared his intention to seek a second term, stating: “If the people of Oyo State desire it, we will serve four more years.” This declaration on social media platforms demonstrated his contemporary approach to political communication.
In the 2023 gubernatorial election held on March 18, Makinde won convincingly, polling the highest votes to beat his closest rival, Teslim Folarin of the All Progressive Congress (APC), and Adebayo Adelabu of Accord Party. On March 19, 2023, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared him winner and Governor-elect for Oyo State, having met and satisfied all legal requirements.
Love Story: Meeting Tamunominini Makinde
Service Year Romance in Port Harcourt
The romantic chapter of Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde biography began during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) year in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, around 1989. Before then, Makinde admits he was quite socially inexperienced, having had no girlfriend throughout his five years at the University of Lagos. Arriving in Port Harcourt at age 22, he was initially more focused on career building than romance.
However, destiny had other plans. During his service year, he met Tamunominini Olufunke, an Ijaw woman from the Kalabari kingdom of Buguma in Asari Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State. Despite his initial social awkwardness, the two connected, beginning a relationship that would eventually lead to marriage over seven years later.
Seven Years of Courtship
The fact that Makinde and Tamunominini dated for over seven years before marriage reveals their patience and commitment to building a solid foundation. During these years, Makinde was establishing his engineering career, first at Shell and then at Rebold International. Tamunominini, a fellow engineer with exceptional academic credentials, understood the demands of building a professional career and supported his ambitions.
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Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde: A First Lady of Substance
Mrs. Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde is far more than just the Governor’s wife—she is an accomplished professional in her own right. She earned a first-class honours degree in Chemical and Petrochemical Engineering, demonstrating academic excellence that matches her husband’s achievements. Additionally, she holds a double first-class BBA/MBA degree from Thomas University in Houston, Texas, United States, specializing in Finance and General Business.
Unlike some politicians’ wives who abandon careers to focus solely on their positions as First Lady, Tamunominini maintains her professional identity. She is intelligent, skilled, and accomplished independently of her husband’s political status. Her quiet and reserved personality contrasts with the typical flamboyance often associated with First Ladies, yet her impact through the Omituntun for Life Foundation speaks volumes about her commitment to service.
Family Life: Three Children
Seyi Makinde and his wife have been blessed with three children, bringing their union full circle. Their first child, Feyi Makinde, was born in 1998. Makinde humorously recounts that he had planned to name his firstborn “Seyi” after himself, assuming it would be a boy. When God blessed them with a daughter instead, he simply changed the ‘S’ in Seyi to ‘F’, naming her Feyi.
After two daughters, Mrs. Makinde insisted on trying for a third child, hoping for a son. God answered with a boy, bringing balance to the family. The Makinde children—Feyi, Tobi, and Tayo—have been raised primarily in the United States, studying and working there. Feyi studied at a Business School in the United States and currently works as an Analyst. While details about Tobi and Tayo remain private, the family has successfully kept their children largely out of the public spotlight, allowing them to develop away from the pressures of political fame.
Fatherhood and Family Values
In a revealing interview with Punch Newspapers in 2017, Makinde reflected on fatherhood: “From the day I got married about 20 years ago and now that my first child is 19, things have changed in the meaning of fatherhood.” He described how his definition of fatherhood evolved from dictating decisions to listening to his children’s opinions as they matured.
Makinde witnessed the births of his last two children, even recording the deliveries. He candidly admitted that watching his wife give birth brought him closer to God, describing it as a spiritually moving experience that deepened his faith and appreciation for the miracle of life.
His approach to parenting reflects balance between authority and friendship, discipline and listening, tradition and modernity—qualities that also characterize his political leadership style.
Wealth Declaration and Financial Transparency
Unprecedented Public Asset Declaration
Shortly after assuming office as Governor in May 2019, Seyi Makinde made a decision that shocked Nigeria’s political establishment: he publicly declared his assets in detail, going beyond the constitutional requirement to simply file with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). On July 15, 2019, he visited the Oyo State CCB office in Ibadan to collect a copy of his asset declaration form, then released comprehensive details to the public through his Chief Press Secretary, Taiwo Adisa.
This transparency move was deliberate and strategic. Makinde explained: “I came here to collect the photocopy of the form that I signed in fulfillment of the campaign promise to the people that I will declare my asset publicly and release the document to the public.” He further encouraged all cabinet members to follow his lead, though he acknowledged they must stay within the law’s requirements.
Detailed Asset Breakdown
According to form CCB OYSE/2019/001 filed on May 28, 2019, Makinde’s assets totalled over N48 billion, categorized as follows:
Cash Holdings:
- Naira bank accounts: ₦234,742,296.01
- Dollar accounts: $30,056.99
Property Holdings:
- Nine buildings in Nigeria valued at ₦2,624,800,500
- Two properties in the United States valued at $4,400,000 (one jointly owned)
- One property in South Africa valued at R4,457,554.04
- Total property value including household items
Business Holdings: The current value of Makinde’s six companies stood at ₦48,150,736,889, with 33,730,000 units of shares. These companies include:
- Makon Engineering and Technical Services Limited (loan notes: ₦1.7 billion)
- Energy Traders and Technical Services Limited (loan notes: ₦1.159 billion)
- Makon Oil and Gas Limited (loan notes: ₦341 million)
- Makon Group Limited
- Makon Construction Limited
- Makon Power System Limited (loan notes: ₦148.4 million)
Total additional assets as loan notes: ₦3.389 billion
Investment Holdings:
- Eurobonds: $3,793,500
- Shares, debentures, and securities: ₦120,500,000
Understanding the N48 Billion Figure
It’s crucial to understand what the N48 billion figure represents. Critics and supporters alike sometimes misinterpret this number as Makinde’s personal liquid wealth. In reality, the ₦48.15 billion represents the combined valuation of his six companies as going concerns, not cash he can personally access.
As pointed out by analysis in Tribune Online, there’s a significant difference between a company’s worth and the owner’s personal net worth. Using standard valuation methods for oil and gas service companies, Makinde’s companies had a stock price of $3.85 compared to the industry average of $18.25 per share. The valuation includes company assets, receivables, goodwill, and future earnings potential—not liquid cash.
Tellingly, Makinde declared only ₦234 million (about $630,000) and $30,000 in actual cash at hand and in bank accounts. For a man whose companies are valued at ₦48 billion, having less than $1 million total in accessible cash demonstrates that his wealth is tied up in business assets, not hoarded in bank accounts.
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The asset declaration ultimately enhanced Makinde’s reputation for transparency, contrasting sharply with most Nigerian politicians who hide their wealth or claim to be poorer than they actually are. It demonstrated that Makinde entered politics as a financially independent businessman, not a power-seeker looking to enrich himself through public office.
Governance Philosophy and Achievements
The Roadmap for Accelerated Development (2019-2023)
Makinde’s first-term governance was guided by his “Roadmap for Accelerated Development 2019-2023,” built on four strategic pillars:
1. Education: Recognizing education as the foundation for societal transformation, Makinde’s administration renovated schools, recruited teachers, provided instructional materials, and awarded scholarships to thousands of students. His commitment extended to infrastructure development with new classroom blocks across the state.
2. Healthcare: The administration equipped and staffed 351 Primary Healthcare Centres across Oyo State, providing free quality healthcare to women and children. Periodic monitoring visits by the First Lady’s office ensured these facilities maintained standards and had adequate supplies.
3. Security: Makinde prioritized security infrastructure and operational capacity for security agencies, understanding that economic development requires a safe environment. His administration supported security agencies with equipment, vehicles, and operational funding.
4. Agribusiness as Economic Driver: Leveraging Oyo State’s agricultural potential, Makinde’s administration positioned agribusiness as the key economic driver. This focus attracted investments in cassava processing, with Psaltry International building the first cassava-based sorbitol factory in Africa in the state.
Economic Transformation Under Makinde
The results of these policies speak volumes:
- Oyo State’s economy grew from ₦2.75 trillion in 2019 to ₦4.05 trillion by Q3 2022
- Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) increased by over 90% between 2019 and 2022 despite COVID-19
- Direct assessment tax collection exceeded a quarter-billion naira in 2022, indicating a growing middle class
- Net investments of ₦457.76 billion flowed into the state between 2019 and 2022
- Shell Nigeria Gas Limited established operations in Oyo State for the first time
Infrastructure Development
Beyond abstract economic figures, Makinde’s administration delivered tangible infrastructure projects across Oyo State. Road networks were rehabilitated, particularly in previously neglected areas. Street lighting improved security in urban centres. Markets received upgrades to enhance trading conditions. These visible projects demonstrated that government truly works for the people.
Recognition and Honours
In recognition of his noteworthy contributions to engineering and policy-making in governance, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, awarded Makinde an honorary doctorate in 2022. He was also conferred with the prestigious Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE), acknowledging both his engineering expertise and his application of engineering principles to governance.
Philanthropic Footprint and Social Impact
The Omituntun Foundation
Even before becoming Governor, Makinde established a reputation for philanthropy through his Omituntun Foundation. The foundation officially registered in 2019 to support his wife’s vision of empowering vulnerable populations. Its activities include:
- Economic empowerment programmes for women and widows
- Skill acquisition training
- Medical outreach programmes providing free healthcare
- Financial management education for small business owners
- Support for orphanages and special homes across Oyo State
Educational Philanthropy
Makinde’s commitment to education manifests in multiple initiatives:
- Scholarships to over 1,500 students from tertiary institutions nationwide
- N50 million donation for the 2017/2018 Seyi Makinde Bursary Scheme Award benefiting 2,500 tertiary students
- Multi-million naira e-library donation to Bishop Phillips Academy, Ibadan (his alma mater)
- Construction of science laboratories for schools including PEN Junior School Iyaganku
- Distribution of teaching and writing materials to primary and secondary schools statewide
- Full scholarship adoption of seven children through tertiary education level
Healthcare and Medical Support
His philanthropic healthcare initiatives include:
- Procurement of medical equipment for hospitals
- Dispensing medications to elderly patients
- Sponsorship of medical teams from the United States to Nigeria for free surgical procedures
- Donation of N1 million to UCH Indigent Patients Fund
- Support for Primary Healthcare Centres across Oyo State
Infrastructure and Community Development
- Construction of the Olatunbosun Makinde Media and Agro-Allied Hall in Ajia Village, Ona-Ara LGA
- Installation of street lights at Bayo Oyeleke Street, Ikolaba, Ibadan with 10 KVA generator
- Construction of gas-powered turbine for independent electricity at Ajia Town, Ibadan
- Support for religious activities including sponsorship of Christian and Muslim events
Religious Philanthropy
Recognizing Nigeria’s religious diversity, Makinde supports both Christianity and Islam:
- Sponsorship of Omituntun Foundation Mega Praise Event for Christians
- Sponsorship of Omituntun Annual Ramadan Lecture for Muslims
- Annual sponsorship of pilgrims to Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and Jerusalem, Israel
Youth Empowerment Programmes
Since 2006, Makinde has created numerous jobs for Oyo State indigenes through his Youth Empowerment Programmes. He remains committed to helping Oyo State’s private sector create 250,000 jobs, recognizing that sustainable development requires employment opportunities for young people.
Awards, Recognition and Professional Memberships
Professional Association Memberships
Engineer Seyi Makinde maintains active membership in several prestigious professional bodies:
- Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) – Fellow
- 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
- American Measurement Institute (AMI)
Honours and Awards Received
Academic Honours:
- Honorary Doctorate (DSc) from Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo (2022)
- Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE)
Humanitarian Awards:
- Humanitarian Ambassador Award, Centre for Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Ibadan (2014)
- Nigerian Association of Social Workers Merit Awards (Oyo State Chapter) for philanthropic gestures and contribution to Social Care Delivery Services
- Nigerian Union of Journalists (Oyo State Council) – Laudable Contribution to Humanity Merit Award
Community Recognition:
- National Association of Oke-Ogun Students (Ibadan) – Merit Award
- Fiditi Grammar School (Oyo State) – Old Student Merit Award for commitment, dedication, and service
- Maryhill Convent School, Ibadan – Academic Development Merit Award
Sports Development:
- Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (Oyo State Chapter) – Gold Merit Award for immense and invaluable contribution to sports development
- Donation of golf kits to Tiger Golf Club Odogbo Cantonment, Ibadan
- Sponsorship of ‘Women’s Support Golf Tournament’
Business Excellence:
- Junior Chamber International (JCI) University of Calabar Chapter – Entrepreneurial Excellence Award
- CCII National Merit Award
Political Recognition:
- Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (Ibadan) – “Astute Politician of the Year 2018” for resilience in assisting the less privileged
Notable Achievements as Governor
Economic Growth
Makinde’s administration has achieved remarkable economic growth:
- GDP increase from ₦2.75 trillion (2019) to ₦4.05 trillion (Q3 2022)
- IGR growth of over 90% (2019-2022) despite COVID-19
- Attraction of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited to Oyo State for first time
- Establishment of Africa’s first cassava-based sorbitol factory by Psaltry International
Healthcare Improvements
- Equipping and staffing of 351 Primary Healthcare Centres statewide
- Free quality healthcare for women, children, and elderly
- Improved maternal and child health indicators
- Better access to medications in rural areas
Educational Transformation
- Massive school infrastructure renovation and construction
- Recruitment and training of teachers
- Distribution of instructional materials to schools
- Scholarship awards to thousands of students
- Improvement in education access and quality across all zones
Security Enhancement
- Provision of operational equipment for security agencies
- Improved response times to security incidents
- Enhanced coordination among security agencies
- Investment in security infrastructure
FAQs About Seyi Makinde
Born on December 25, 1967, Seyi Makinde is currently 57 years old as of 2025.
He is married to Mrs. Tamunominini Olufunke Makinde, a Chemical and Petrochemical Engineer with first-class honours, and they have been married for over 26 years.
Seyi Makinde has three children: Feyi Makinde (eldest daughter), Tobi Makinde, and Tayo Makinde (their son).
According to his 2019 public asset declaration, Makinde’s companies are valued at over N48 billion, though his personal liquid assets were significantly lower at approximately N234 million and $30,000 in cash.
He owns six companies under the Makon Group: Makon Engineering and Technical Services Limited, Energy Traders and Technical Services Limited, Makon Oil and Gas Limited, Makon Group Limited, Makon Construction Limited, and Makon Power System Limited.
He was elected on March 9, 2019, and sworn in as the 28th Executive Governor of Oyo State on May 29, 2019.
He currently belongs to the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), though he previously contested under ANPP and SDP in earlier elections.
He holds a B.Sc. (Hons) in Electrical Engineering from the University of Lagos and has attended various prestigious institutions including MIT, Lagos Business School, and training centres in Houston, Texas, and Kent, England.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Service and Transformation
Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde biography represents more than just the story of political success—it embodies the possibilities when genuine business achievement meets selfless public service. From his humble beginnings in Oja’ba, Ibadan, through building a multibillion-naira business empire before age 40, to becoming one of Nigeria’s most effective and transparent governors, Makinde’s journey inspires.
His administration has redefined what Nigerians should expect from their leaders: transparency through public asset declaration, economic growth evidenced by measurable GDP increases, infrastructure development visible in renovated schools and roads, and people-centred policies that prioritize education, healthcare, and security. The remarkable jump in Oyo State’s Internally Generated Revenue by over 90% despite the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrates that good governance translates to tangible economic prosperity.
What distinguishes Makinde from many Nigerian politicians is his financial independence before entering politics. Having built genuine wealth through decades of engineering expertise and entrepreneurial ventures, he didn’t need political office for personal enrichment. This independence enabled him to make difficult but necessary decisions in the state’s best interest rather than seeking to please political godfathers or sponsors.
His marriage to Tamunominini, spanning over 26 years, and their three children reflect family stability rare among Nigerian politicians. His wife’s own academic and professional accomplishments—first-class degrees, chemical engineering expertise, and active philanthropy through the Omituntun Foundation—demonstrate that the Makinde household values substance over showmanship.
As Makinde progresses through his second term (2023-2027) guided by the Roadmap for Sustainable Development, Oyo State residents anticipate continued transformation. His vision extends beyond physical infrastructure to human capital development, ensuring that today’s children receive education and healthcare that position them for future success.
The Seyi Makinde story proves that with education, hard work, integrity, and genuine commitment to serving others, individuals can rise from middle-class backgrounds to positions of tremendous influence while maintaining their principles. His legacy will ultimately be measured not by the N48 billion in companies he built but by the millions of Oyo State residents whose lives improved because he chose public service over comfortable retirement as a wealthy businessman.
For young Nigerians, Makinde’s biography offers a roadmap: get quality education, develop genuine expertise, build something tangible before seeking power, maintain integrity throughout your journey, marry wisely, give back generously, and when opportunity comes, serve with transparency and commitment to the common good. This is the essence of the Oluwaseyi Abiodun Makinde story—a Nigerian success narrative built not on shortcuts or political manipulation, but on competence, character, and compassionate leadership.
