Ogun’s golden jubilee carnival draws 3,000 performers to Abeokuta streets
Activities marking the 50th anniversary of Ogun State continued on Thursday with a vibrant cultural carnival and road show that filled major streets of Abeokuta with colour, music and excitement.
The procession featured six elaborately decorated floats representing the state’s major regions — Remo, Ijebu, Yewa and Egba (RIYE) — as well as a symbolic fish float showcasing the riverine communities, in celebration of Ogun’s rich cultural heritage.
At a reception held at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, Kuto, Governor Dapo Abiodun reaffirmed the state’s growing prominence in Nigeria, attributing its progress to the resilience, creativity and industry of its people.
He described the carnival as a strong demonstration of Ogun’s cultural vitality and organisational capacity, noting that it underscored the state’s ability to thrive economically and socially.
“Just as we demonstrated during the National Sports Festival, we have once again shown that Ogun State is not only the gateway to Nigeria’s prosperity, but also the gateway to tourism, culture and social awakening,” the governor said.
Abiodun thanked past leaders for laying solid foundations for development and commended civil servants for their contributions to building a robust state economy. He said the achievements being celebrated were the result of decades of collective sacrifice and perseverance.
The governor explained that the golden jubilee carnival was designed to promote unity, heritage and resilience, reflecting the shared identity and pride of the people of Ogun State. He also assured residents of his administration’s continued commitment to inclusive growth and people-oriented policies.
No fewer than 3,000 indigenes from the 20 local government areas participated in the festivities, alongside traditional dancers, drummers, masquerades, folkloric performers, skaters and bikers. The colourful procession moved from Oke-Igbein through Omida and Oke-Ilewo before culminating at the MKO Abiola Sports Arena, where cultural and acrobatic performances thrilled spectators.
