By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on Tuesday formally proclaimed the Golden Jubilee of Ondo State, describing the 50-year journey of the Sunshine State as one defined by identity, resilience, sacrifice and steady progress, while urging citizens to recommit themselves to building a more inclusive and sustainable future.
Speaking at the grand anniversary celebration held at the Ondo State Sports Complex, Akure, the governor said the occasion was not merely a celebration of time, but a consecration of a collective journey that began on February 3, 1976, when Ondo State emerged as a distinct administrative entity within the Nigerian federation.
Aiyedatiwa noted that the creation of the state was neither accidental nor a routine bureaucratic exercise, but the fulfilment of a long-held aspiration for self-expression, dignity and self-governance by the people.
According to him, Ondo State was born with promise and, five decades later, has continued to justify that promise through industry, intellect and an enduring culture of excellence.
He highlighted the state’s abundant natural and human resources, including cocoa, crude oil, bitumen and a highly skilled population, stressing that Ondo people had consistently distinguished themselves across sectors such as education, agriculture, entrepreneurship, the arts, public service and academia, often outperforming expectations on the national stage.
The governor paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers and mothers of the state, traditional rulers, political leaders and ordinary citizens whose sacrifices laid the foundation for its growth.
He acknowledged the roles played by teachers who nurtured generations of learners, farmers who sustained the economy, public servants who built institutions with dedication, artisans and workers who drove productivity, and youths who kept hope alive during periods of uncertainty.
While celebrating past achievements, Aiyedatiwa said the Golden Jubilee also demanded honest reflection on the present and deliberate planning for the future.
He posed what he described as a defining question for the state: what kind of Ondo State should be built for the next fifty years?
He explained that his administration was guided by the conviction that development must be people-centred, inclusive and sustainable, adding that governance should translate into improved living conditions, expanded opportunities and renewed confidence in public institutions.
Outlining his administration’s development priorities, the governor said the focus would remain on the 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.
He assured that the next chapter of the state’s history would be driven by bold ideas, innovation, compassion in leadership and integrity in execution.
Addressing the youths, Aiyedatiwa described them as authors of the future rather than mere inheritors of history, pledging that his government would continue to equip them with the skills and opportunities needed to lead confidently.
He also acknowledged the elders of the state, noting that their wisdom and counsel remained a vital compass for governance, while reaffirming his administration’s commitment to workers, entrepreneurs, farmers, professionals and investors through the creation of an enabling environment where diligence and innovation could thrive.
The governor said that from a vision rooted in hope fifty years ago, Ondo State had grown into a living reality, expressing confidence that with unity and collective resolve, the state would stand even taller in the years ahead as a beacon of excellence, stability and progress in Nigeria.
He disclosed that an award night later in the day would honour frontline visionaries and icons who played critical roles in the creation of the state and its development over the decades.
Aiyedatiwa concluded by urging citizens to celebrate with gratitude, reflect with humility and move forward with renewed resolve, expressing optimism that the best days of Ondo State still lie ahead.
