By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
As Ondo State marks 50 years of its creation, a roll call of founding fathers, past leaders and agitators whose collective sacrifices shaped the identity of the Sunshine State will take centre stage during the golden jubilee celebrations, with many of them, both living and departed, slated for honour at a grand gala night.
Those to be recognised include the late Head of State, General Murtala Ramat Muhammed, whose national broadcast of February 3, 1976, formally gave birth to Ondo State; the early agitators who canvassed tirelessly for its creation; the first Military Administrator, Wing Commander Ita David Ikpeme; successive military administrators; and former civilian governors, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua, Chief Adebayo Adefarati, Dr Olusegun Agagu, Dr Olusegun Mimiko and the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
Addressing a world press conference to herald the 50th anniversary, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa said the decision to honour past leaders was rooted in the reality that Ondo State’s present standing is the product of cumulative efforts across generations.
He paid special tribute to Pa Adekunle Ajasin, the first civilian governor, and noted that every administration, whether civilian or military, made its own contribution to the growth of the state.
Going down memory lane, the governor recalled the historic broadcast by General Muhammed, describing the creation of Ondo State as the fulfilment of a long-standing yearning by the people for governance to be brought closer to them.
According to him, that aspiration has remained the guiding principle of successive governments over the past five decades.
He said the golden jubilee was not merely a celebration of longevity but a collective heritage belonging to all sons and daughters of the state, urging citizens at home and in the diaspora to join hands with the government in building a society that guarantees freedom, security and shared prosperity.
Aiyedatiwa assured that his administration would continue to prioritise the security of lives, farmlands, property and the collective heritage of the people, stressing that peace and safety remained fundamental to sustainable development.
Reflecting on the early years of the state, the governor noted that at inception, many ministries operated from rented apartments, a situation that underscored the modest beginnings of Ondo State.
He said the progress recorded since then was evidence of purposeful leadership and continuity in governance.
He highlighted several legacy projects being executed by his administration as additions to the foundations laid by his predecessors, particularly in support of industrialisation and overall development across all strata of society.
Ongoing road construction projects, he said, were aimed at easing movement and improving the quality of life of residents, while major initiatives such as the proposed deep seaport would come to fruition during his tenure.
On power supply, Aiyedatiwa said the state had taken advantage of the autonomy granted to states by the Federal Government in the electricity sector.
Although Ondo State was yet to begin power generation, he said its partnership with the Benin Electricity Distribution Company had improved supply in many areas.
He acknowledged that the band tariff system, especially for Band A customers, had placed pressure on residents, but expressed optimism that the situation would improve over time, likening the current challenges to the early days of GSM services which later became widely accessible and beneficial.
The press conference was attended by the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; members of the State Executive Council; lawmakers; leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state; media executives; and other political office holders, underscoring the broad-based significance of the golden jubilee celebrations.
