Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has declared that the next 50 years of the State will be defined by knowledge-driven growth, industrial competitiveness, environmental sustainability, digital innovation and strong democratic institutions, as Ondo marks its Golden Jubilee.

Speaking at a world press conference to herald the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ondo State, Governor Aiyedatiwa said his administration is already laying the foundation for a future-ready State that will not merely respond to global change but actively shape it.

“Our gaze is firmly fixed on the future. The next half-century must be defined by innovation, sustainability and inclusive opportunity,” the Governor assured, pledging to build “a State where opportunity is inclusive and prosperity is sustainable.”

The press briefing, held on Thursday at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Lodge, Government House Grounds, Akure, officially commenced activities marking 50 years since Ondo State was created on 3 February 1976.

A JUBILEE BEYOND CELEBRATION

Governor Aiyedatiwa described the Golden Jubilee as more than a ceremonial milestone, calling it a “civilisational moment”* that invites reflection on the past, assessment of the present and deliberate planning for the future.

According to him, five decades provide sufficient distance to measure how faithfully the original vision of Ondo State has been pursued and how governance has evolved across generations.

He traced the State’s creation to years of sustained political agitation, intellectual advocacy and moral persuasion, driven by the belief that governance works best when it is closer to the people and rooted in identity, equity and inclusion.

TRIBUTE TO FOUNDING FATHERS AND PAST LEADERS

The Governor paid glowing tribute to Ondo State’s founding fathers, particularly Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, the State’s first civilian governor, whom he described as a statesman of rare integrity whose leadership set enduring benchmarks for governance and public morality.

He also acknowledged the contributions of nationalist leaders including Chief Ayo Fasanmi, Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, noting that their sacrifices remain embedded in the State’s political consciousness.

Governor Aiyedatiwa recognised the collective efforts of past military administrators and civilian governors—from Wing Commander David Ikpeme, the pioneer military administrator, to Colonel Moses Fasanya, and successive democratic leaders including Chief Bamidele Olumilua, Chief Adebayo Adefarati, Dr Olusegun Agagu, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, and his immediate predecessor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN.

“History records governance not in absolutes, but in cumulative impact,” he said, adding that Ondo State today stands as evidence of those combined efforts.

FIFTY YEARS OF PROGRESS AMID CHALLENGES

Over the past five decades, the Governor noted, Ondo State has recorded measurable progress in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure, industrialisation and human capital development—despite economic downturns, environmental pressures and evolving security challenges.

He highlighted the global relevance of graduates from the State’s tertiary institutions, the resilience of its agrarian economy and the expanding role of both urban and rural communities in economic productivity.

“The Ondo spirit—defined by intellect, industry and perseverance—has remained unbroken,” he said.

GOLDEN JUBILEE PROGRAMME LINE-UP

As part of the anniversary celebrations, the State Government has rolled out a comprehensive programme reflecting Ondo’s intellectual, cultural and developmental heritage. Key activities include:

Statewide interfaith thanksgiving services
A Golden Jubilee Lecture Series themed:“Ondo State: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”
Cultural and historical exhibitions
A Gala and Award Night to honour excellence and service.

GOVERNANCE, SECURITY AND THE ROAD AHEAD

Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to people-centred development anchored on fiscal responsibility, institutional efficiency and social inclusion under the OUR EASE policy thrust.

Current priorities include infrastructure renewal, renewal, healthcare revitalisation, education reform, agricultural value-chain development and economic diversification through strategic private-sector partnerships.

On security, he stressed continued collaboration with security agencies and community intelligence structures to protect lives, farmlands and investments, positioning Ondo State as a stable destination for growth.

As Ondo State turns 50, the Governor called on citizens at home and in the diaspora to see the Golden Jubilee as a shared heritage and a collective responsibility. The Golden Jubilee celebrations formally begin next week, marking a historic chapter in Ondo State’s journey— and the opening of a new one.