0
0
CULTURAL DISPLAY AS ONDO MARKS GOLDEN JUBILEE WITH COLOURFUL CARNIVAL
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the people of Ondo State to deepen unity, strengthen democracy and fully harness the state’s abundant human and natural resources to secure sustainable development over the next 50 years.
The President made the call on Tuesday at the grand celebration of events marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ondo State, held at Akure Township Stadium, Akure.
Represented by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Tinubu described the golden jubilee as both a moment of pride and a challenge for the state to chart a bolder and more purposeful path into the future.
He said Ondo State and its people are held in high esteem nationally, particularly commending citizens for their conduct during the last general election.
According to him, the people’s participation, discipline and commitment to democratic ideals helped strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and reaffirmed faith in accountable leadership.
The President expressed deep appreciation for the support of the people and assured that the Federal Government would continue to serve all citizens fairly, equitably and inclusively, regardless of religion, political affiliation or social background, stressing that every citizen counts and every voice matters.
He said the Federal Government, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, remains committed to supporting Ondo State in harnessing these opportunities, improving infrastructure, strengthening security and empowering communities to ensure inclusive development.
In his address, the Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, urged citizens to use the Golden Jubilee as a turning point for renewed commitment to unity, people-centred development and responsible leadership.
He described the occasion as a solemn consecration of a historic journey spanning five decades of aspiration, resilience, struggle and progress, rather than a routine anniversary celebration.
Governor Aiyedatiwa formally proclaimed the Golden Jubilee of the Sunshine State, expressing gratitude to God and pride in the shared heritage of the people, while recalling that Ondo State was created on Tuesday, February 3, 1976, as the fulfilment of a long-standing desire for self-governance, dignity and destiny.
He said the creation of the state marked a defining moment in Nigeria’s federal evolution, stressing that Ondo State was neither an accident of geography nor a bureaucratic arrangement, but a deliberate expression of the collective will of its people, whose founding promise had endured over the past 50 years.
The Governor highlighted the state’s endowments in agriculture, solid minerals and human resources, noting that Ondo State remained distinguished by cocoa production, crude oil, bitumen and a strong tradition of learning, excellence and enterprise.
He said the people had consistently excelled in education, the civil service, agriculture, entrepreneurship, arts, academia, commerce and public service.
According to him, the jubilee offered an opportunity to honour generations of Ondo indigenes whose contributions had shaped both the state and the nation, paying tribute to founding fathers and mothers, traditional rulers, political leaders, professionals, farmers, artisans, workers and students.
He acknowledged teachers for nurturing knowledge, farmers for sustaining the economy, public servants for building institutions and youths for keeping hope alive during periods of transition and uncertainty.
Turning to the future, Governor Aiyedatiwa said the milestone demands honest reflection on the direction of the state and the kind of Ondo State to be built for the next half-century.
He said his administration is driven by the belief that governance must improve lives, expand opportunities and restore confidence in public institutions.
He outlined his administration’s vision to include security of lives and property, economic diversification and value creation, infrastructural renewal and connectivity, human capital development through education and healthcare, as well as transparent, accountable and responsive governance.
The Governor said the future of the state would be shaped by bold ideas, innovation, compassion and integrity, describing youths as central actors in the next chapter of the state’s history, not passive inheritors.
He reaffirmed commitment to workers, entrepreneurs, farmers, artisans, professionals and investors, pledging to create an enabling environment that rewards diligence and supports innovation.
Governor Aiyedatiwa described Ondo State’s journey from an idea rooted in hope to a living reality, expressing confidence that unity and collective resolve would drive the state to greater heights.
He urged citizens to celebrate with gratitude, reflect with humility and move forward with renewed resolve, while praying for continued progress for Ondo State and Nigeria.
In his goodwill message, former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, described the jubilee year as symbolic, urging citizens to embrace forgiveness and reconciliation as pathways to personal and collective upliftment.
He said the 50th anniversary represented a year of restoration, new beginnings and peace, stressing that forgiveness of past wrongs was essential for divine lifting and progress.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, recalled the shared historical journey of Ondo and Ekiti states, noting that both started together 50 years ago before parting ways 29 years later.
He thanked God for the steady progress of Ondo State, describing it as “going up and up and up,” with positive developments visible across sectors.
Oyebanji commended the developmental strides of the state, acknowledged the contributions of past governors and praised the incumbent governor for what he described as a “very great job,” while praying that the next 50 years would usher in glory for the state.
In the declaration of the golden jubilee, the State Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Rev. Fr. Anselm Ologunwa, said the celebration is not merely an occasion for festivity but a call for honest remembrance, sober evaluation and responsibility.
He emphasised the need for renewed dedication to the principles that have guided the state since its inception, ensuring that the Sunshine State continues to shine in purpose, character and legacy.
In his vote of thanks, the Chairman of the Anniversary Committee and Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, thanked guests for honouring the historic occasion.
The event was well attended by dignitaries, including the Ondo State First Lady, Mrs Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa; Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, and his wife, Mrs Abosede Adelami; Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Hon Ayodele Olawande Wisdom; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip; former Minister, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, members of the National Assembly, traditional rulers, including the Chairman of the State Council of Obas, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye and the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi; members of the State Executive Council and House of Assembly; local government chairmen; APC chieftains; elder statesmen; political appointees; traditional rulers; heads of security agencies, among others.
About The Author
