Wole Olanipekun reveals how Ondo State became oil producing state at 50th anniversary lecture
Former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, has attributed the state’s emergence as an oil-producing state to visionary leadership, strategic sacrifices, and collaborative governance. He warned that ignoring the counsel of elders and the lessons of history could jeopardise development.
Speaking at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure, during the public lecture themed “Ondo State: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”, Olanipekun recounted the steps that positioned Ondo alongside Abia and Imo states as Nigeria’s oil-producing states in the 1990s. He noted that their collective efforts under the administration of Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua led to the drafting of the decree that enabled the state to tap into its hydrocarbon potential.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, who declared the lecture open, outlined a vision for the state’s next fifty years, anchored on industrialisation, innovation, and youth-driven growth. He highlighted key projects including the Sunshine Free Trade Zone, Golden Ceramics Industrial Plant, Ore Ethanol Plant, and Ondo Deep Sea Port, while stressing the importance of tourism, infrastructure, and youth empowerment.
Mrs Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, praised citizens’ contributions and highlighted industrial projects such as gas infrastructure, the revival of Odigbo power plants, and modular LNG initiatives. She emphasised that value addition and strategic infrastructure would create jobs, generate revenue, and enhance the dignity of the people.
Prof Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms and guest lecturer, commended the vision of Ondo’s founding fathers. He announced a Golden Jubilee scholarship of N500,000 for the best graduating student in every public secondary school and called for unity across political, religious, and generational divides.
Prof Oyedele also highlighted Ondo’s natural endowments, including fertile soils, a 180-kilometre coastline, the Idanre Hills, and vast bitumen reserves, noting that industrialisation, infrastructure, and cultural tourism are reshaping the economy. He stressed that the state’s future depends on visionary leadership and strategic use of its human and natural resources.
Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, Secretary to the State Government and chairman of the anniversary committee, described the Golden Jubilee celebrations as nostalgic and emotional, expressing gratitude to past leaders, royal fathers, and elder statesmen. He revealed that eminent citizens, including octogenarians and nonagenarians, would be honoured during the festivities.
The lecture was attended by Ondo State First Lady Mrs Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa; Deputy Governor Dr Olayide Adelami and his wife; Chief Judge Justice Olusegun Odusola; Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji; former Governor Dr Olusegun Mimiko; traditional rulers; APC chieftains; elder statesmen; heads of security agencies; and other prominent personalities.
