Governor Aiyedatiwa hails progress, resilience of Ondo State at 50th anniversary

Ondo State on Tuesday celebrated its Golden Jubilee, marking 50 years since its creation, with Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa calling the milestone a testament to resilience, learning, and industry.

In a statewide broadcast, Governor Aiyedatiwa reflected on the state’s journey from its colonial-era status as Ondo Province to its current position as a dynamic centre of governance, commerce, and culture. He described the creation of Ondo State on 3rd February 1976 as a “singular act” that restored dignity, affirmed identity, and brought governance closer to the people.

The governor acknowledged the contributions of early leaders and activists, including the Ondo Provincial Movement led by the late Chief Gilbert Benjamin Akinyemi Akinyede, and honoured living figures such as Pa Reuben Fasoranti. He praised citizens across all walks of life—farmers, artisans, professionals, public servants, youths, and elders—for their role in the state’s development.

Highlighting Ondo State’s economic and social achievements, Aiyedatiwa recalled the province’s historical role as a key contributor to the defunct Western Region through cocoa, palm produce, timber, and other agricultural exports. He also paid tribute to pioneering administrators and public servants who laid the foundations of modern governance and public service in the state.

Over the past five decades, Ondo State has navigated periods of military and civilian rule, economic challenges, and policy reforms, the governor noted. Despite these challenges, the state has made strides in education, healthcare, agriculture, urban development, industrialisation, commerce, and infrastructure, with its citizens gaining national and international recognition in diverse fields.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also acknowledged the creation of Ekiti State from Ondo in 1996, describing it as another defining moment in the state’s history. He paid homage to all past leaders, including both military administrators and civilian governors, for their contributions to the state’s development.

Looking ahead, the governor outlined his administration’s commitment to consolidating past gains through security enhancements, infrastructure development, healthcare expansion, agricultural revitalisation, youth and women empowerment, and support for enterprise and innovation.

He called on citizens to recommit themselves to unity, civic responsibility, and hard work, urging all residents to collaborate with the government in building a “virile state” capable of competing globally while upholding its core values.

“Ondo State is a living moral community, defined by resilience, sustained by learning, ennobled by industry and bound together by an abiding faith in progress,” Aiyedatiwa said. “Happy 50th Anniversary, Ondo State. God bless you all.”