“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.”

With these words, Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, set the tone for the Golden Jubilee celebration of Ondo State as he addressed a world press conference at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Lodge, Government House, Akure, on Thursday.


He described the Golden Jubilee anniversary of the state as a historic milestone that offers an opportunity to reflect on its past, assess its present and strategically plan for the future.

Aiyedatiwa said the anniversary was “civilisational in significance,” noting that five decades of statehood provide enough basis to evaluate the vision behind the state’s creation and the extent to which successive administrations have upheld it.

He recalled that the creation of Ondo State followed years of political agitation and advocacy by leaders who sought governance closer to the people and more inclusive development.

His words: “History records governance not in absolutes, but in cumulative impacts and Ondo State stands today as evidence of those cumulative efforts”.

The governor paid tribute to the state’s founding fathers, particularly the first civilian governor, Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, whom he described as a statesman of integrity whose leadership set enduring standards for governance.

He also honoured other notable leaders, including the late Chief Ayo Fasanmi, Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, for their roles in shaping the state’s political history.

The governor acknowledged the contributions of past military and civilian administrators, as well as former governors, including Chief Bamidele Olumilua, Chief Adebayo Adefarati, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN.

Aiyedatiwa further recognised the pioneering efforts of the first Head of Service, Chief Theophilus Iwajomo, his successor, Chief Elkanah Adeneye Emuleomo, and the early generation of public servants for laying a strong foundation for the state’s public service.

Reviewing the state’s development over the past 50 years, the governor highlighted progress in education, healthcare, agriculture, industrialisation, road infrastructure and public sector reforms.

He noted that Ondo State’s tertiary institutions have produced professionals of national and global relevance, while its agrarian base has supported livelihoods and food security.

He said the achievements were recorded despite economic challenges, population pressures, environmental issues and evolving security concerns, adding that the resilience and industrious nature of the people remained a defining strength.

As part of the Golden Jubilee celebrations, the governor announced a series of activities, including statewide interfaith thanksgiving services, a lecture series themed “Ondo State Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” cultural and historical exhibitions, and a gala and award night to celebrate excellence and service.

On governance, Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s commitment to people-centred development, guided by fiscal responsibility, institutional efficiency and social inclusion under his “OUR EASE” policy thrust.

He said the government is focusing on infrastructure development, urban renewal, healthcare revitalisation, education reform, agricultural value chains and economic diversification through partnerships with the private sector and development institutions.


The governor also emphasised security as a key pillar of development, noting ongoing collaboration with security agencies and community structures to protect lives, farmlands and investments.


Looking ahead, Aiyedatiwa said the next 50 years must be driven by knowledge-based growth, industrial competitiveness, environmental sustainability, digital innovation and strong democratic institutions.

He called on citizens at home and in the diaspora to take ownership of the anniversary and work with the government to build a more prosperous and inclusive state.

“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,” he said.