Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has announced the allocation of ₦10 million to support the printing and mass distribution of the newly launched civic education book, Know Oyo State, authored by the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade.
The announcement came during the official launch of the book held at the Emeritus Professor Theophilus Ogunlesi Hall, University College Hospital, Ibadan, on Wednesday. The book is poised to serve as a strategic educational resource across the state’s 33 local government areas.
Governor Makinde emphasized that the financial support was part of his administration’s broader effort to integrate civic education and historical awareness into the learning experience of secondary school students in Oyo State.
“This book will help future generations understand our roots, achievements, and governance journey,” Makinde said. “It aligns with the values of the Omituntun 2.0 agenda, particularly on youth development and civic reorientation.”
He noted that the book is not only intended for students but also serves as a resource for citizens across all age groups—both within and beyond Oyo State—interested in understanding the state’s historical evolution and developmental strides.
Know Oyo State is a comprehensive compendium that captures Oyo’s geography, political development, key policies, cultural heritage, and the achievements of Governor Makinde’s administration. According to Oyelade, the work seeks to bridge the knowledge gap among young citizens and promote a sense of identity, accountability, and state pride.
“The book provides rich narratives about the people and policies that have shaped Oyo,” said Oyelade. “It is designed to educate and inspire a new generation of leaders who must understand where we are coming from to know where we are going.”
In his review, Comrade Kayode Salami, Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Oyo State, commended both the governor and the author, stating that the book will serve as a teaching aid in classrooms.
“This is a bold step towards enhancing civic learning. It strengthens the trust between the education sector and government while promoting a more informed generation,” Salami said.
He also encouraged future publications to involve more collaboration with educators in the authorship process to deepen curriculum relevance.
The General Manager of Safar Books Ltd., Comrade Odetola Olalekan, affirmed that the company is fully prepared to oversee the printing and ensure that the books reach all designated secondary schools. He noted that copies would be placed in school libraries and used during civic education lessons starting from the 2025/2026 academic session.
“We commend the government’s commitment to knowledge preservation and youth enlightenment. This book is more than a publication—it’s an instrument for shaping mindsets and building informed citizens,” Odetola said.
Governor Makinde also revealed that the book will be incorporated into civic education programs across the state and possibly used in inter-school quiz competitions and heritage awareness campaigns.
“With tools like this, we are giving young people access to knowledge that builds confidence, inspires civic duty, and fuels innovation,” Makinde concluded.