***Governor Calls on Citizens to Celebrate the Vision, Legacy, and Progress of Ondo State
Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has announced that special honours will be bestowed on individuals who laboured for the creation of the state as well as those who have governed it over the past 50 years, including both the living and the dead, as part of activities marking the Golden Jubilee anniversary of the state.
The governor made this known on Thursday at a world press conference held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Akure, to formally herald activities commemorating the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ondo State on February 3, 1976.
Aiyedatiwa said the awards would also recognise national figures whose historic actions made the creation of Ondo State possible, specifically mentioning the late Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, under whose administration the state was created.
According to the governor, the Golden Jubilee celebration is far more than a ceremonial milestone.
“This anniversary is not merely commemorative; it is civilisational in significance. It gives us the opportunity to interrogate our collective past, assess our present realities and deliberately design our future,” he said.
Tracing the origin of Ondo State to years of political agitation and intellectual advocacy, Aiyedatiwa noted that the struggle for statehood was driven by the desire for governance that is closer to the people and anchored on equity, identity and inclusive development.
He paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers of the state, particularly the first civilian governor, Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, whom he described as a statesman of rare integrity whose principled leadership set enduring standards for governance and public morality in Ondo State.
The governor also acknowledged the contributions of other prominent leaders and statesmen, including the late Chief Ayo Fasanmi, Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, as well as successive military administrators and civilian governors whose cumulative efforts, he said, shaped the state’s institutional development.
He listed former governors of the state, including Chiefs Bamidele Olumilua and Adebayo Adefarati, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and his immediate predecessor, the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, noting that Ondo State’s present standing is the product of collective leadership over time.
Reflecting on the last five decades, Aiyedatiwa said Ondo State has recorded notable achievements in education, healthcare delivery, agriculture, infrastructure development, industrialisation and human capital development, despite economic downturns, population pressures and security challenges.
As part of the Golden Jubilee programme, the governor announced a series of activities, including statewide interfaith thanksgiving services, a Golden Jubilee Lecture Series themed “Ondo State Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” cultural and historical exhibitions, as well as a gala and awards night to celebrate excellence, service and sacrifice.
On the development front, Aiyedatiwa declared that his administration would deliver the Ondo Seaport project within his tenure, describing it as a game-changer that would galvanise development across multiple sectors of the state’s economy.
“Ondo Seaport will be built during my time. This project will unlock massive economic opportunities and stimulate growth across sectors,” the governor said.
He also revealed that his administration has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a refinery in the state, expressing confidence that the project would stand as a defining legacy of his government.
“I will be remembered for the establishment of a refinery in Ondo State. The MoU has already been signed, and this will significantly strengthen our industrial base and economic diversification drive,” he added.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to people-centred governance anchored on fiscal responsibility, institutional efficiency and social inclusion, guided by the “OUR EASE” policy thrust.
He further assured residents of sustained efforts to maintain security across the state through collaboration with security agencies and community intelligence structures, stressing that security remains fundamental to development and investment.
Looking ahead, Aiyedatiwa said the next 50 years of Ondo State must be defined by knowledge-driven growth, industrial competitiveness, environmental sustainability, digital innovation and strong democratic institutions.
He called on all citizens, including those in the diaspora, to see the Golden Jubilee as a shared heritage and collective responsibility.
“As we honour the sacrifices of yesterday, celebrate the achievements of today and envision the possibilities of tomorrow, let us reaffirm our faith in the Ondo project. Together, we shall continue to build a state that guarantees fulfilment for all.” The Governor said
