“The milestone underscored five decades of purposeful existence, built on the vision, sacrifices, and collective determination of the people of the Gateway State”
By Nudoiba Ojen
Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ogun State as a moment of deep reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to sustained development.
In a statewide broadcast on Tuesday to mark the Golden Jubilee celebration, Governor Abiodun said the milestone underscored five decades of purposeful existence, built on the vision, sacrifices, and collective determination of the people of the Gateway State.
Recall that the governor had declared today, Tuesday, February 3 as public holiday in the state for residents to mark 50 years of creation of the state.
Abiodun, who began the celebration of the 50 years of the state a fortnight ago with inauguration of projects, had a an interfaith thanksgiving and prayer session on Monday at the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The interfaith prayer session drew a distinguished audience, including former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo; former Governor, Chief Olusegun Osoba; past military administrators, traditional rulers, and other eminent sons and daughters of the state.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Abiodun said Ogun State had recorded remarkable progress over the past five decades, particularly in education, housing, healthcare, agriculture, and other key sectors of the economy.
Speaking in the broadcast on Tuesday, the governor recalled that Ogun State was created on February 3, 1976, out of the old Western Region, noting that the decision gave birth to a state founded on clarity of purpose and a strong sense of destiny.
According to him, the Golden Jubilee offers an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the past while preparing the state for a more prosperous future.
The governor expressed gratitude to Almighty God and paid special tribute to President Bola Tinubu for leading the nation at a historic moment when several states, including Ogun, are marking 50 years of creation.
He prayed for continued wisdom and strength for the President as he implements the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Abiodun highlighted the contributions of past leaders to the growth and stability of the state, acknowledging the roles played by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Governor Olusegun Osoba, and other civilian and military administrators who guided the state through different phases of its history.
He said Ogun State had earned a reputation as a fountain of excellence, having produced notable national and global figures such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Chief MKO Abiola, Chief Ernest Shonekan, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, and Tai Solarin, among others.
The governor also praised the contributions of women from the state, including Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, describing them as trailblazers who broke barriers and inspired generations.
According to Abiodun, political stability, religious tolerance, and inclusive governance have remained defining strengths of Ogun State, creating a peaceful environment conducive to growth and investment.
He noted that education has consistently been central to the state’s identity, adding that Ogun has evolved into Nigeria’s education capital with numerous federal, state, and private tertiary institutions. He also highlighted the state’s strategic location and growing industrial base as key drivers of economic expansion.
Governor Abiodun said his administration had prioritised infrastructure development, with over 1,600 kilometres of roads constructed or rehabilitated across the state.
He added that the Gateway International Airport had been completed and certified, while projects such as the Kajola and Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Ports and plans for the Olokola Deep Sea Port are expected to further strengthen the state’s economy.
He disclosed that Ogun State’s economy is now estimated at about ₦17 trillion, with Internally Generated Revenue rising from about ₦52 billion in 2020 to approximately ₦250 billion by the end of 2025.
He said significant progress had also been recorded in healthcare, education, housing, agriculture, power, security, and social empowerment.
While celebrating the achievements of the past five decades, the governor urged residents to remain united and committed to the state’s continued growth.
He called on the youth to carry forward the legacy of hard work and responsibility, while appreciating elders and pioneers for laying a solid foundation.
Governor Abiodun reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive, transparent, and people-centred governance, describing the Golden Jubilee as both a celebration and a call to renewal for all citizens of Ogun State.
Speaking at the inter-faith event on Monday, former President Obasanjo commended past leaders of the state for their vision and dedication, noting that Ogun had made significant contributions to national development through its people.
Obasanjo urged the current administration to further leverage the state’s proximity to Lagos by strengthening infrastructure and attracting more investments.
Former Governor Osoba recalled Ogun’s historic role in producing the first Chief Judge of the Federation and highlighted the contributions of key figures to the creation of the state, adding that the present administration was effectively building on the foundation laid by previous governments.
Speaking on behalf of former military administrators, Commodore Kayode Olofinmoyin (rtd.) who described Ogun as fortunate to have an educated and enlightened population, as well as leaders committed to the welfare of the people, commended Governor Abiodun for giving attention to all sectors of the economy.
The Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas and the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, urged the governor to remain focused on delivering the dividends of democracy, noting that various parts of the state, including Yewaland, had benefited from ongoing development projects.
Delivering a sermon titled “Ogun State, Be Grateful to God for Your Inheritance,” Bishop Michael Fape said the state had been blessed with visionary leadership from inception, enabling it to emerge as one of the foremost states in the country.
He also commended the Abiodun administration’s ISEYA development agenda for expanding the state’s economic base and called for constructive engagement in public discourse.
