— To honour late Gen Muhammed ,founding fathers

By Dayo Johnson Akure

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo state has declared that the state has witnessed significant strides in all sectors in the last 50 years of the creation of the state.

Recall that the state was created on

Tuesday 3rd February, 1976.

Addressing a Press conference in Akure to mark the anniversary of the state, the governor, “over the last 50 years, Ondo State has navigated the complex terrain of statehood with resilience and adaptability.

“We have witnessed significant strides in education, healthcare delivery, agricultural development, industrialisation, road infrastructure, public sector reforms and human capital development.

“Our tertiary institutions have produced professionals of national and global relevance. Our agrarian heritage has sustained livelihoods and food security. Our urban centres have expanded and our rural communities remain vital contributors to economic productivity.

“These achievements have not occurred in a vacuum. They were recorded amid economic downturns, demographic pressures, environmental challenges and evolving security realities. Yet, the Ondo spirit, defined by industry, intellect and perseverance, has remained unbroken.

“As part of the Golden Jubilee anniversary, the State Government has designed a robust, inclusive and forward-looking programme framework that reflects the intellectual, cultural and developmental identity of our State.

Speaking on the programm, the governor said they include a “statewide interfaith thanksgiving services, acknowledging divine providence in our journey, a Golden Jubilee Lecture Series under the theme: “Ondo State Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”; Grand Anniversary of cultural and historical exhibitions, celebrating our traditions, arts and heritage; and Gala and Award night: celebrating excellence and service.

.”On the governance front, our administration remains resolute in its commitment to people-centred development, anchored on fiscal responsibility, institutional efficiency and social inclusion.

” We are investing in critical infrastructure, urban renewal, healthcare revitalisation, education reform, agricultural value chains and pursuing economic diversification through strengthening partnerships with the private sector and development institutions.

“Our objective is to translate policy into tangible outcomes that improve the quality of life of our people in line with “OUR EASE” policy thrust.

“Security remains a foundational pillar of development. Through sustained collaboration with security agencies, community intelligence structures and strategic interventions, we continue to secure lives, farmlands and investments, ensuring that Ondo State remains a stable and hospitable environment for economic and social activities.

” As we commemorate fifty years, our gaze is firmly fixed on the future. The next half-century must be defined by knowledge-driven growth, industrial competitiveness, environmental sustainability, digital innovation, and strong democratic institutions.

“We are laying the groundwork today for a State that will not merely respond to change, but shape it: a State where opportunity is inclusive and prosperity is sustainable.

Aiyedatiwa, called on all stakeholders to join hands with government in making this anniversary a celebration of meaning, memory and momentum.

He said that the Late Gen Murtala Mohammed who pronounced the creation of the state on February 3, 1976 would be honored.

The governor expressed gratitude to the founding fathers of the state who are dead or alive and whose foresight and sacrifice laid the cornerstone of the state.

Some of the founding fathers of the state according to Governor Aiyedatiwa included the first civilian Governor, Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, late Chief Ayo Fasanmi, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, and Basorun Seinde Arogbofa.