- Mimiko, Oyebanji seek unity, forgiveness –
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has felicitated with the Ondo State Government, and People on the 50th anniversary celebration of the state’s creation.
He described the state’s journey so far as a testament to resilience, enterprise and unwavering commitment to national development.
His goodwill message was delivered at the Ondo @ 50 celebration held at the Akure Township Stadium on Tuesday, by the Interior Minister, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo.
The President said that Ondo State’s creation on February 3, 1976 was a historic milestone that affirmed the identity, aspirations and dignity of its people, adding that the state had since carved a respected place for itself within the Nigerian federation.
He commended the people of Ondo State for their industry, intellect and patriotism, noting that the state had produced eminent Nigerians who had contributed significantly to the country’s political evolution, economic growth and social development.
According to him, Ondo State’s legacy of excellence in education, agriculture, public service and enterprise remained a source of pride to the nation.
He also praised the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for sustaining stability and pursuing development-driven policies, urging the government and people of the state to remain united and forward-looking as they chart a new course for the next fifty years.
The President reaffirmed the commitment of the Federal Government to partnering Ondo State in areas of infrastructure, security, economic diversification and human capital development.
In his own goodwill message, former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, joined the people of the state in appreciating God for the journey so far, describing the Golden Jubilee as a moment for deep introspection and renewed commitment to the ideals that informed the struggle for state creation.
Mimiko paid tribute to the founding fathers, past leaders and ordinary citizens whose sacrifices laid the foundation for the growth and stability of Ondo State, stressing that the state’s history was rooted in progressive values, social justice and people-centred governance.
He noted that the Golden Jubilee is a year of expression of happiness, restoration, new beginning, peace and forgiveness.
Mimiko, popularly known as Iroko said: “let’s forgive those who have offended us, so that the good Lord can lift us up.”
The former governor who described the emergence of Dr Lucky Aiyedatiwa as governor of the state as a design of the Almighty God, urged the current leadership to build on past achievements while responding creatively to contemporary challenges, particularly youth unemployment, economic inclusion and sustainable development, saying those are the dividends the people are expecting from him.
He also called on citizens to rise above partisan divides and see the Golden Jubilee as a collective inheritance that demands shared responsibility.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, in his goodwill message, described the celebration as a shared moment of pride for the people of Ondo and Ekiti States, who, he said, are bound by deep historical, cultural and linguistic ties dating back to the old Ondo Province.
Oyebanji congratulated the people of Ondo State, and prayed that they would witness more decades in achievements and progress.
He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for organising what he described as a befitting Golden Jubilee celebration, noting that such milestones help to strengthen unity, pride and a sense of collective destiny among the people.
The Ondo @ 50 celebration attracted a large gathering of dignitaries, including serving and former governors, federal officials, traditional rulers, elder statesmen, media chiefs, technocrats, politicians, and citizens from across the country..
