– Oyedele, Verheijen to headline anniversary lecture


The Ondo State Government has unveiled a comprehensive programme of activities to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the creation of the State, a historic milestone that marks five decades of growth, resilience, cultural pride, and progressive governance.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, who is the Chairman of the 50th anniversary, made the announcement of the activities after a meeting of the anniversary committee.

According to him, the golden jubilee celebration has been carefully structured to combine reflection, thanksgiving, intellectual engagement, cultural expression, and statewide participation.

This, he said, is in line with “the vision of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa to honour our past while firmly positioning Ondo State for a more prosperous and sustainable future.”

A major highlight of the anniversary is the Public Lecture, scheduled for Monday, 2nd February, 2026, at 10.00 a.m., at The Dome, Akure. The lecture, themed “Ondo State: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” will be delivered by Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee. It will be chaired by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN.

“The Public Lecture is conceived as a critical intellectual engagement aimed at examining the historical foundations of Ondo State, evaluating its current socio-economic trajectory, and offering strategic perspectives on sustainable development in the decades ahead. It will bring together policymakers, academics, professionals, traditional institutions, socio-political groups, and other stakeholders from across the state and beyond.

“Prof. Oyedele is a highly respected economist, tax expert, and public policy authority with extensive experience in fiscal governance and national economic reforms. His leadership of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee places him at the centre of Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen public finance, economic resilience, and inclusive growth.

“Importantly, Prof. Oyedele is a proud son of Ondo State from Ikaramu-Akoko, and his personal and professional journey reflects the intellectual depth and excellence for which our state is renowned. His insights are expected to provide both professional depth and personal resonance, grounded in a genuine understanding of the state’s past achievements and future aspirations”, Dr. Fasoranti said.

Also speaking at the Lecture is the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Energy, Mrs. Olu Verheijen. Mrs. Verheijen has nearly 20 years’ experience in the gas and renewables sectors across Sub-Saharan Africa, and is the Founder/CEO of BFA Foundation which funds scholarships for women and other disadvantaged groups to expand their career advancement opportunities in high growth sectors, including the energy sector.

Activities to mark the 50th anniversary will commence on Thursday, 29th January, 2026, with a World Press Conference at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, scheduled for 11.00 a.m. to 12.00 noon.

This will be followed by a Jumat Service on Friday, 30th January, 2026, at the Central Mosque, Akure, by 2.00 p.m. On Sunday, 1st February, 2026, a Thanksgiving Service will hold at St Thomas’ Anglican Church, Isinkan, Akure, by 10.00 a.m..

On the anniversary day, Tuesday, 3rd February, 2026, Governor Aiyedatiwa will address the people of the state through a State Broadcast at 7.00 a.m. Later the same day, a State Carnival Event will take place at the Ondo State Sports Stadium, Akure, by 10.00 a.m. The event will feature a carnival procession, the Sunshine Cultural Festival, mass choir performances, and other artistic displays.

The golden jubilee activities will conclude with a Gala and Award Night at The Dome, Akure, by 5.00 p.m, where heroes and heroines of the State will be honoured.

“The Ondo at 50 celebration is not only a moment of celebration but also an opportunity to strengthen unity, showcase the rich cultural heritage of our state, and renew our collective commitment to progress and development.

“The Ondo State Government invites all residents, sons and daughters of Ondo State at home and in the diaspora, as well as friends and partners of the Sunshine State, to actively participate in these celebrations and join us in marking this landmark chapter in our history”, Dr. Fasoranti added.


Mr. Idowu Ajanaku,
Commissioner for Information and Orientation;
Chairman, Media and Publicity Committee.