Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde (born 25 December 1967) is a Nigerian engineer, businessman, and politician who has served as the Governor of Oyo State since 2019. He is an expert in fluid and gas metering and the group managing director of Makon Group Limited, an indigenous oil and gas company. Makinde founded his first private business, Makon Engineering and Technical Services (METS), at the age of 29 in 1997, after gaining extensive experience with international oil and gas companies.
Born to Pa Olatubosun Makinde and Abigail Makinde in Ibadan, Oyo State, Makinde is the third child in his family. He began his education at St. Paul Primary School and completed his primary education at St. Michael Primary School, Yemetu, Ibadan. He attended Bishop Phillips Academy for his secondary education and gained admission to the University of Lagos in 1985, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering. He furthered his education with various professional training programs, including safety shutdown systems in Houston, Texas, and complex business problem-solving at MIT.
Makinde's career in the oil and gas sector began with Shell Petroleum Development Company, where he worked as a pupil engineer and later held various positions at Rebold International Limited, including Field Manager. In 1997, he established METS, which marked the beginning of his entrepreneurial journey. Makinde is affiliated with numerous professional bodies, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the International Society of Automation (ISA).
Makinde's political career began with his 2007 bid for the Oyo South Senatorial seat under the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), which was unsuccessful. He later contested the 2015 Oyo State gubernatorial election under the Social Democratic Party (SDP) but also lost. In 2018, he secured the People's Democratic Party (PDP) gubernatorial ticket and won the 2019 election, becoming the Governor of Oyo State. Makinde's administration has been marked by significant improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, and education. He was re-elected in 2023, defeating his rivals from the All Progressive Congress (APC) and Accord Party.
Makinde has received numerous awards for his contributions to society, including merit awards from the Nigerian Union of Journalists and the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria. He resides in Ibadan with his wife, Tamunominini Makinde, and their three children.
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