Ondo celebrates 50 years with golden jubilee thanksgiving service

A thanksgiving service to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ondo State was held on Sunday at St Thomas’ Anglican Church, Isinkan, Akure.

Speaking at the service attended by clergymen, worshippers and dignitaries from across the state, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa described the golden jubilee as a moment of gratitude, reflection and fellowship, noting that the achievements recorded and challenges overcome by Ondo State bear clear evidence of God’s grace.

He recalled that Ondo State was created 50 years ago as a beacon of governance, unity and opportunity, founded on principles that uphold human dignity, communal solidarity and moral responsibility.

According to the governor, the progress recorded over the years has been sustained by the diligence of the people and a consistent reliance on divine guidance, stressing that faith has inspired courage, illuminated wisdom and guided the conscience of leaders and communities.

Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the role of the Church in the development of the state, describing pastors, ministers and Christian leaders as vital partners in promoting moral values, social cohesion and civic responsibility through worship, teaching and counsel.

He commended the resilience and dedication of the people of Ondo State, whose labour and commitment, he said, have sustained families, communities and institutions over the decades. He also praised past and present leaders for their vision and courage in steering governance and development.

The governor said the thanksgiving service was not only an expression of gratitude but also an opportunity to recommit to responsible stewardship, ensuring that policies and programmes reflect justice, integrity and concern for all citizens.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive growth across urban and rural communities, youth empowerment and human capital development through education, skills acquisition, mentorship and enterprise.

He added that the government would continue to strengthen institutions to promote accountability, transparency and sustainable development while preserving the cultural and moral values that unite the people and guide ethical leadership.

In his sermon, the Bishop of Akure Diocese and Archbishop of Ondo and Ekiti Province, Most Reverend Simeon Borokini, urged leaders and citizens to allow faith, discipline and vision to guide the state in the next 50 years.

“Leaders must lead with integrity. Leaders must guide with wisdom. Citizens must rise with discipline and innovation,” he said, adding that thanksgiving should go beyond words to responsibility, humility and obedience to the law.

Archbishop Borokini prayed for continued divine guidance, peace and development for Ondo State in the years ahead.

Dignitaries at the service included the First Lady, Mrs Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa; Deputy Governor, Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji; Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Bayo Philip; former deputy governors; members of the State Executive Council; lawmakers; traditional rulers; security chiefs and political leaders.