Ondo at 50: Late Murtala Mohammed to be honoured as Aiyedatiwa unveils activities

…..says administration will deliver proposed Ondo Deep Seaport

By Richard Ilesanmi

The Ondo State government is to honour the late Head of State, General Murtala Mohammed as part of the activities marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of the state.

Other individuals who were also instrumental to the creation of the state and contributed to its development will also be honoured in recognition of their labour.

Governor lucky Aiyedatiwa announced this during a press conference held at the Banquet Hall of the Government House, Akure to herald activities line up for the celebration.

The Late Mohammed had on February 3rd 1976 created Ondo and other states.

Governor Aiyedatiwa said the 50th anniversary was not merely commemorative but provided an opportunity to examine the past, assess the present and consciously plan for the future of the state.

He recalled that the creation of Ondo State in 1976 followed years of political agitation and advocacy driven by the desire for governance closer to the people, as well as equity, identity and inclusive development. According to him, the struggle was sustained by courage and conviction rather than convenience.

Aiyedatiwa praised the founding fathers of the state, particularly the first civilian governor, Chief Adekunle Ajasin, whom he described as a statesman of rare integrity whose leadership set enduring standards for governance and public morality.

He also acknowledged the contributions of late Chief Ayo Fasanmi, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, Basorun Seinde Arogbofa and other progressive leaders whose efforts shaped the destiny of the state.

The governor further recognised the roles played by past military administrators and civilian governors, including Wing Commander David Ikpeme, Colonel Moses Fasanya, Chief Bamidele Olumilua, Chief Adebayo Adefarati, Olusegun Agagu, Olusegun Mimiko and his immediate predecessor, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, noting that Ondo State’s progress was the result of cumulative governance efforts over the years.

He also commended the pioneer Head of Service, Chief Theophilus Iwajomo, his successor, Chief Elkanah Adeneye Emuleomo, and early public servants whose sacrifices laid the foundation for an institutionalised public service in the state.

Reviewing the last 50 years, Aiyedatiwa said Ondo State had recorded notable achievements in education, healthcare, agriculture, industrialisation, road infrastructure, public sector reforms and human capital development, despite economic, demographic, environmental and security challenges.

As part of activities to mark the Golden Jubilee, the governor announced a series of programmes, including statewide interfaith thanksgiving services, a Golden Jubilee Lecture Series themed “Ondo State Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”, cultural and historical exhibitions, as well as a gala and award night to celebrate excellence and service.

Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s commitment to people-centred development anchored on fiscal responsibility, institutional efficiency and social inclusion.

He said the government was investing in critical infrastructure, healthcare, education reforms, agricultural value chains and economic diversification through partnerships with the private sector and development institutions, in line with the “OUR EASE” policy thrust.

He added his administration will deliver the Ondo Deal seaport and other legacy projects that will significantly transform the state.

Looking ahead, Aiyedatiwa said the next 50 years of Ondo State must be driven by knowledge-based growth, industrial competitiveness, environmental sustainability, digital innovation and strong democratic institutions.

He called on citizens at home and in the diaspora to join hands with the government in making the Golden Jubilee a celebration of “meaning, memory and momentum,” while reaffirming collective faith in the Ondo project.