Oyetola @72: YPF Celebrates Former Osun Governor, Hails Contributions to State, Nigeria’s Maritime Sector

The Yoruba Progressives Forum (YPF) has congratulated the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, on the occasion of his 72nd birthday.

In a congratulatory message signed by its National Coordinator, Alhaji AbdulLateef Olalekan, popularly known as Asiri Ede, the socio-cultural group described the former Governor of Osun, as a prominent Yoruba son whose years of public service have been marked by commitment to development, institutional reforms and service to humanity.

The YPF said Oyetola’s contributions to Osun State during his tenure as governor remain significant, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, healthcare, education and human development.

According to the group, his administration embarked on the construction and rehabilitation of roads across the state, while the Olaiya Flyover in Osogbo became one of the most visible infrastructure projects undertaken during his tenure.

The group also recalled the administration’s interventions in the health sector, including the upgrading of primary healthcare centres across the state, investment in the State Specialist Hospital, Asubiaro, and the establishment of the Osun Health Insurance Scheme to expand access to healthcare.

YPF further noted that Oyetola’s administration pursued educational reforms and supported the development of tertiary institutions, including the transformation of the Osun State College of Education, Ilesa, into the University of Ilesa.

The group said Oyetola’s transition from state governance to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy had also provided him with an opportunity to contribute to the development of Nigeria’s maritime economy.

“Since assuming office as Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola has continued to demonstrate his commitment to institutional reforms and economic development.

“Under his leadership, the ministry has pursued initiatives around port modernisation, digitisation, maritime safety, indigenous shipping, inland waterways and the development of a national policy framework for the marine and blue economy.”

The YPF noted that agencies under the Marine and Blue Economy Ministry reportedly generated N1.83 trillion in 2025, compared with N700.79 billion in 2023, with the minister attributing the increase to regulatory reforms, revenue assurance and digitisation.

The group also commended ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s maritime workforce and indigenous participation in the sector, including initiatives around the Cabotage Vessel Financing Fund and seafarers’ training and development.

Alhaji Olalekan said Oyetola’s birthday was therefore an opportunity to celebrate not only his personal milestone but also his contributions to public service at both the state and federal levels.

He said, “Our leader, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola has remained a distinguished son of Yorubaland and a public servant whose career has taken him from corporate administration to state governance and now to the strategic marine and blue economy sector of the Federal Government.

“At 72, we celebrate his experience, dedication and contributions to the development of Osun State and Nigeria. We pray that Almighty Allah will grant him continued wisdom, good health, strength and many more years of impactful service to humanity.

“On behalf of the Yoruba Progressives Forum, I warmly congratulate our leader, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, his wife, family members, associates and supporters on this auspicious occasion.”

The YPF National Coordinator wished the minister continued success in his responsibilities and expressed hope that his experience and expertise would continue to contribute to the growth and prosperity of Nigeria’s marine and blue economy.