Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has called on the people of the state to renew their commitment to unity, hard work and collective responsibility.
Simultaneously, he reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to build on past achievements and chart a bold, inclusive path for the next fifty years of the Sunshine State.
He made the call on Tuesday in a statewide broadcast to mark the Golden Jubilee of the creation of Ondo State, describing the anniversary as a historic moment that invited reflection on the past, honest appraisal of the present and deliberate planning for a prosperous and sustainable future.
Aiyedatiwa traced the historical evolution of Ondo State from the old Ondo Province, a vast and resource-rich territory under colonial administration, to its formal creation on February 3, 1976, following the dissolution of the old Western State by the Murtala Mohammed administration, acting on the recommendations of the Justice Ayo Irikefe Panel.
He said the creation of the state did more than redraw administrative boundaries, noting that it affirmed identity, restored dignity and brought governance closer to the people, thereby laying the foundation for participatory development and inclusive growth.
According to the governor, the Golden Jubilee was not merely a celebration of time but a civilisational landmark that required a solemn recommitment to building a future worthy of generations yet unborn.
He paid glowing tribute to the resilience and industry of the people of Ondo State, describing farmers, fisherfolk, artisans, professionals, public servants, elders, youths and members of the diaspora as living testimonies of the state’s enduring spirit.
Aiyedatiwa also honoured the patriots whose vision and persistence made the creation of Ondo State a reality, singling out members of the defunct Ondo Provincial Movement led by the late Chief Gilbert Benjamin Akinyemi Akinyede, with Mr Deji Adegoroye as Secretary.
He recalled that from their maiden meeting in Akure in 1973, the group mobilised communities and sustained relentless advocacy until statehood was achieved.
The governor, through Pa Reuben Fasoranti, paid tribute to traditional rulers, statesmen, scholars, administrators and activists whose sacrifices secured the state’s place within the Nigerian federation.
He noted that long before the proclamation of statehood, Ondo Province was a major economic pillar of the old Western Region, contributing significantly to cocoa, palm produce, timber and other agricultural exports that financed regional infrastructure and iconic projects such as the Cocoa House in Ibadan, while also supporting national growth.
Reflecting on the early years of the state, the governor recalled the modest beginnings of its public service, with ministries operating from improvised spaces and workers commuting daily from neighbouring towns.
He commended the pioneer administration of Wing Commander Ita David Ikpeme for laying a solid foundation for a functional public service, and paid tribute to the first generation of public servants, including pioneer Heads of Service, for their sacrifices in building enduring institutions.
He also acknowledged the patience and patriotism of ordinary citizens who bore the inconveniences of urban renewal, as well as the stabilising roles played by traditional rulers and religious leaders.
Aiyedatiwa observed that despite periods of military rule, policy disruptions and economic challenges, Ondo State had recorded measurable progress over the past five decades in education, healthcare, agriculture, urban development, industrialisation and public service reform.
He added that democracy had deepened civic participation and long-term planning, while the state’s vast endowments in solid minerals, oil and gas, tourism and human capital had continued to gain national relevance.
He further noted that the creation of Ekiti State on October 1, 1996 marked another defining moment in the state’s history, while Ondo State had continued to produce sons and daughters who distinguished themselves nationally and internationally in medicine, law, academia, public administration, science, technology, the arts, sports and enterprise.
The governor saluted all his predecessors, both military and civilian, for their contributions to the development of the state, including the late Pa Adekunle Ajasin, Chief Bamidele Olumilua, Chief Adebayo Adefarati, Dr Olusegun Agagu, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, and the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, among others, assuring that their legacies would continue to be honoured.
Looking ahead, Aiyedatiwa said his administration remained focused on consolidating past gains while pursuing a realistic and inclusive development agenda centred on improved security, critical infrastructure, agricultural revitalisation, expanded healthcare access, youth and women empowerment, and an enabling environment for enterprise and innovation.
He urged all residents, irrespective of political affiliation, to support government efforts and recommit to civic responsibility and mutual trust, stressing that the next fifty years would demand unity, innovation, discipline and faith.
“As we celebrate this Golden Jubilee, let us join hands to build a state that works, a state that cares and a state that can compete globally while upholding its values,” the governor said, describing Ondo State as truly a place of “Our Ease.”
He concluded by congratulating the people of the state on the historic milestone and prayed for continued peace, progress and prosperity for Ondo State and its people..
