Best Logo, Theme, Mascot for Oyo 50th Anniversary Contest Opens

The Oyo State Government has announced the launch of a statewide competition for the best logo, theme, and mascot design ahead of the state’s golden jubilee celebration in 2026.

Chairman of the Oyo @50 Celebration Committee, Saheed Fijabi, disclosed this on Monday during a press conference at the Local Government Training Centre, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Fijabi, a former member of the House of Representatives, said the initiative aims to promote creativity and inclusiveness among citizens as the state prepares to mark 50 years of its creation.

He explained that the competition, tagged Oyo @50 Logo, Theme, and Mascot Challenge, invites entries from designers, artists, and creative minds within and outside the state.

Participants are expected to submit works that reflect Oyo’s past achievements, dynamic present, and forward-looking vision.

“Submissions can be sent via email to oyostate50@oyostate.gov.ng or through WhatsApp on 09163121000, with attractive rewards awaiting winners,” Fijabi stated.

He noted that Governor Seyi Makinde had on October 6 inaugurated an 11-man committee to coordinate the anniversary activities, adding that the celebration would highlight the state’s identity, resilience, and unity across all sectors.

“We shall involve all strata of society, regardless of age, gender, religion, belief, or profession,” he said.

“While the Executive arm of the State Government will lead the celebrations, the Legislative, Judiciary, traditional and religious institutions, artisans, students, farmers, and entrepreneurs will all play active roles.”

According to him, the golden jubilee will reflect Oyo’s journey as the “Pacesetter State” — from its emergence as a centre of learning and agriculture to becoming a hub of commerce, culture, and political leadership in Nigeria’s South-West.

Oyo State was created on February 3, 1976, during the military administration of the late General Murtala Mohammed, with Brigadier David Jemibewon (later Major General, retired) as its first governor.

It was carved out of the old Western State and later gave birth to Osun State in August 1991 under General Ibrahim Babangida’s government.

Fijabi said the upcoming jubilee would celebrate the state’s transformation and honour the ingenuity of its people who continue to shape its growth and prosperity.