BEING THE TEXT OF THE WORLD PRESS CONFERENCE BY THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF ONDO STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY DR. LUCKY ORIMISAN AIYEDATIWA ON THE GOLDEN JUBILEE ANNIVERSARY OF THE CREATION OF ONDO STATE HELD AT THE BANQUET HALL OF THE PRESIDENTIAL LODGE, GOVERNMENT HOUSE GROUNDS ON THURSDAY, 29TH JANUARY, 2026

PROTOCOL

It gives me great delight to be with you on this momentous occasion as we gather to formally herald a defining moment in the historical evolution of our dear State, the Golden Jubilee of Ondo State, marking 50 years of its creation on Tuesday 3rd February, 1976.

2. This anniversary is not merely commemorative; it is civilisational in significance. It offers us a rare opportunity to interrogate our collective past, evaluate our present and deliberately design our future. Fifty years in the life of a State is sufficient time to assess the vision that inspired its birth and the fidelity with which successive administrations and generations have pursued that vision.

3. The creation of Ondo State was the culmination of years of prolonged political agitation, intellectual advocacy and moral persuasion. It emerged from the legitimate yearning of a people who believed that governance must be closer to the governed and that identity, equity and inclusive development are best achieved when a people are granted administrative self-expression. The struggle was arduous, sustained by courage rather than convenience and by conviction rather than compromise.

4. In this regard, we owe an eternal debt of gratitude to our founding fathers, whose foresight and sacrifice laid the cornerstone of our State. We honour Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, our first civilian Governor, a rare gem, statesman of extraordinary integrity whose principled leadership set enduring standards for governance, public morality and the benchmark within which governments were assessed in Ondo State. We also salute the patriotic labours of elders and nationalists such as the late Chief Ayo Fasanmi, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa to mention a few amongst progressive leaders whose voices and actions shaped the destiny of Ondo State. Their legacy remains embedded in our political consciousness.

5. From its inception, Ondo State has been guided by a succession of administrators and governors, military and civilian, each operating within the peculiar constraints and possibilities of their time. Beginning with Wing Commander David Ikpeme, the pioneer Military Administrator to the last Military Administrator, Colonel Moses Fasanya through subsequent administrations, the State has benefitted from leadership efforts that collectively advanced its institutional growth. We respectfully acknowledge the contributions of Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Bamidele Olumilua, Chief Adebayo Adefarati, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and my immediate predecessor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON, whose commitment to democratic consolidation, welfare and security of the people of Ondo State remains indelible. History records governance not in absolutes, but in cumulative impacts and Ondo State stands today as evidence of those cumulative efforts. We must also pay glowing tribute to the pioneer Head of Service, Chief Theophilus Iwajomo, his successor Chief Elkanah Adeneye Emuleomo and the first generation of public servants whose sacrifices laid a solid foundation for institutionalised public service and governance in Ondo State.

6. Ladies and gentlemen, over the last 50 years, Ondo State has navigated the complex terrain of statehood with resilience and adaptability. We have witnessed significant strides in education, healthcare delivery, agricultural development, industrialisation, road infrastructure, public sector reforms and human capital development. Our tertiary institutions have produced professionals of national and global relevance. Our agrarian heritage has sustained livelihoods and food security. Our urban centres have expanded and our rural communities remain vital contributors to economic productivity.

7. These achievements have not occurred in a vacuum. They were recorded amid economic downturns, demographic pressures, environmental challenges and evolving security realities. Yet, the Ondo spirit, defined by industry, intellect and perseverance, has remained unbroken.

8. As part of the Golden Jubilee anniversary, the State Government has designed a robust, inclusive and forward-looking programme framework that reflects the intellectual, cultural and developmental identity of our State. These include among others:

i. statewide interfaith thanksgiving services, acknowledging divine providence in our journey;

ii. a Golden Jubilee Lecture Series under the theme: “Ondo State Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”;

iii. Grand Anniversary of cultural and historical exhibitions, celebrating our traditions, arts and heritage; and

iv. Gala and Award night: celebrating excellence and service.

Full details had already been communicated by the Anniversary Planning Committee in due course.

9. On the governance front, our administration remains resolute in its commitment to people-centred development, anchored on fiscal responsibility, institutional efficiency and social inclusion. We are investing in critical infrastructure, urban renewal, healthcare revitalisation, education reform, agricultural value chains and pursuing economic diversification through strengthening partnerships with the private sector and development institutions. Our objective is to translate policy into tangible outcomes that improve the quality of life of our people in line with “OUR EASE” policy thrust.

10. Security remains a foundational pillar of development. Through sustained collaboration with security agencies, community intelligence structures and strategic interventions, we continue to secure lives, farmlands and investments, ensuring that Ondo State remains a stable and hospitable environment for economic and social activities.

11. As we commemorate fifty years, our gaze is firmly fixed on the future. The next half-century must be defined by knowledge-driven growth, industrial competitiveness, environmental sustainability, digital innovation, and strong democratic institutions. We are laying the groundwork today for a State that will not merely respond to change, but shape it: a State where opportunity is inclusive and prosperity is sustainable.

12. Distinguished members of the press, the Golden Jubilee of Ondo State is a collective heritage and a shared responsibility. It belongs to every citizen, young and old, at home and in the diaspora. I, therefore, call on all stakeholders to join hands with government in making this anniversary a celebration of meaning, memory and momentum.

13. 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 everyone.

14. I thank you all, and God bless Ondo State.