Ondo at 50: Aiyedatiwa calls for unity, collective responsibility in golden jubilee broadcast

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has called on the people of Ondo State to embrace unity, discipline and collective responsibility as the state marks its Golden Jubilee, describing the milestone as a defining moment to reflect on the past and deliberately shape the future.

The governor made the call in a statewide broadcast on Tuesday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ondo State.

He described the occasion as a historic convergence of memory and destiny, expressing gratitude to God for five decades of resilience, sacrifice and progress since the state’s creation on February 3, 1976.

Tracing the historical evolution of the state, Aiyedatiwa recalled that Ondo State was formerly part of the old Ondo Province under colonial administration, with its headquarters in Akure, before becoming part of the Western State after independence.

He explained that unresolved structural challenges in Nigeria’s early post-independence years culminated in political instability and civil war, necessitating a fundamental restructuring of the federation.

According to the governor, the dissolution of the old Western State into Ogun, Ondo and Oyo states in 1976, under the leadership of the late General Murtala Mohammed and based on the Justice Ayo Irikefe Panel recommendations, restored identity, dignity and participatory governance to the people.

“This Golden Jubilee is not merely a celebration of time, but a civilisational milestone that demands reflection and a renewed commitment to the future we must consciously build,” he said.

Aiyedatiwa paid tribute to the founding figures of Ondo State, particularly members of the former Ondo Provincial Movement led by the late Chief Gilbert Benjamin Akinyede, noting that their advocacy and sacrifice transformed collective aspirations into reality.

He also acknowledged the contributions of traditional rulers, religious leaders, public servants and ordinary citizens whose commitment laid the foundation for governance and development in the early years of the state.

The governor recalled Ondo State’s economic prominence in the old Western Region, citing its dominant role in cocoa, palm produce and timber exports, which funded major regional infrastructure and supported national growth.

He noted that despite modest beginnings marked by improvised offices and logistical challenges, the pioneer administration laid the groundwork for a functional public service that later evolved into the Alagbaka Secretariat Complex.

According to him, successive administrations, both military and civilian, navigated policy reforms, economic challenges and democratic transitions that expanded civic participation and strengthened long-term planning.

Aiyedatiwa highlighted progress recorded in education, healthcare, agriculture, urban development, industrialisation and public service reform, adding that Ondo State’s endowments in solid minerals, oil and gas, tourism and human capital had gained national relevance.

He also noted that the creation of Ekiti State in 1996 marked another defining chapter in the state’s history, while affirming that Ondo State remains a hub of excellence, producing distinguished professionals across various sectors.

The governor commended past leaders for their contributions to the state’s growth, stating that their legacies continue to shape governance and development.

Looking ahead, Aiyedatiwa said his administration is focused on consolidating past achievements while pursuing inclusive development through improved security, infrastructure investment, agricultural renewal, expanded healthcare, youth and women empowerment, and support for enterprise and innovation.

He urged residents to recommit themselves to hard work, civic responsibility and mutual trust, stressing that the next fifty years would require unity, innovation and discipline.

“Let us build communities that are productive, inclusive and environmentally sustainable. Together, we can build a state that works, cares and competes globally while upholding its values,” he said.

The governor called on all citizens and residents, regardless of political affiliation, to support his administration in advancing development and securing a prosperous future for Ondo State.