Oyedele, Olu Verheijen to deliver Ondo State 50th anniversary lecture
The Ondo State Government has unveiled a series of events to mark the 50th anniversary of the state’s creation, celebrating five decades of development, resilience, and cultural pride.
Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, Secretary to the State Government and Chairman of the 50th Anniversary Committee, said the celebrations have been designed to combine reflection, thanksgiving, intellectual engagement, cultural expression, and broad-based participation.
“The golden jubilee reflects Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa’s vision to honour our past while positioning Ondo State for a more prosperous and sustainable future,” Fasoranti stated.
A highlight of the celebrations is the Public Lecture, scheduled for Monday, 2nd February 2026, at 10 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, and chaired by Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN.
Prof. Oyedele, a native of Ikaramu-Akoko, is a distinguished economist and public policy expert, known for his work in fiscal governance and national economic reforms. Also participating in the lecture is Mrs Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Energy and Founder/CEO of BFA Foundation, which provides scholarships for women and disadvantaged groups in high-growth sectors, including energy.
The golden jubilee programme begins on Thursday, 29th January 2026, with a World Press Conference at the Government House Banquet Hall, Akure. A Jumat Service will hold on Friday, 30th January, at the Central Mosque, Akure, followed by a Thanksgiving Service on Sunday, 1st February, at St Thomas’ Anglican Church, Isinkan, Akure.
On the anniversary day, Tuesday, 3rd February 2026, Governor Aiyedatiwa will deliver a State Broadcast at 7 a.m., followed by a State Carnival at the Ondo State Sports Stadium. The carnival will feature a procession, the Sunshine Cultural Festival, mass choir performances, and other artistic displays. The celebrations will conclude with a Gala and Award Night at The Dome, Akure, where outstanding citizens will be honoured.
The state government has invited all residents, sons and daughters of Ondo State, at home and in the diaspora, as well as friends and partners, to take part in the landmark celebrations.
