Oyedele Urges Ondo to Leverage Education, Resources for Future Prosperity

……..We envision Ondo State where economic prosperity is broad-based, sustainable – Gov Aiyedatiwa

……..Ondo can become Nigeria’s energy, industrial hub, says Verheijen

By Precious Oluwole

As Ondo State celebrates 50 years of existence, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, has hailed the state’s resilience, vision, and collective achievements.

Speaking at the Golden Jubilee Commemorative Lecture, Oyedele described the milestone as more than a historical reflection, calling it a moment to strategically plan for the next five decades of growth and development.

Tracing Ondo State’s journey since its creation on February 3, 1976, Oyedele emphasized that the state was founded on strong values of education, hard work, and integrity. He noted that Ondo’s intellectual capital remains its greatest asset, producing generations of leaders, professionals, and innovators who have excelled nationally and globally.

This legacy, he said, continues to define the state as a hub of human development and a driver of excellence across multiple sectors.

Highlighting the state’s present achievements, Oyedele pointed to improvements in education, infrastructure, governance, and economic diversification. He cited investments in roads, agriculture, industrialisation, and the blue economy, while also noting that Ondo has emerged as the state with the lowest multidimensional poverty in Nigeria.

He, However, stressed the importance of accelerated reforms in ease of doing business and digital governance to further enhance private sector growth and sustainable development.

Looking forward, Oyedele unveiled a long-term vision, Agenda 2076, focused on sustainable industrialisation, technological innovation, youth empowerment, and strong institutions. He called on government, private sector, traditional institutions, and citizens to work collectively to transform Ondo State into a leading subnational economy.

According to him, leveraging education, resources, and a shared commitment to excellence will ensure the next 50 years deliver inclusive prosperity, dignity, and lasting development for the people of the Sunshine State.

 

Declaring the Public Lecture open, Gov Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s commitment to building an Ondo State where economic prosperity is broad-based, inclusive and sustainable, describing the state’s 50th anniversary as a testament to the vision, resilience and shared sacrifices of its people.

The Governor said ” We envision an Ondo State where economic prosperity is broad-based and sustainable; where education produces innovators, ethical leaders and problem-solvers; where infrastructure supports growth, inclusion and environmental stewardship; where governance remains responsive, transparent and accountable; and where social cohesion is strengthened by shared values and civic pride.

“Fifty years is not merely a number. It is both a milestone and a mirror: a mirror through which we examine our collective choices, sacrifices and outcomes; and a milestone that challenges us to rise to the responsibility of shaping the next era with wisdom and courage.

“Our founding fathers understood that development does not happen by accident, it must be deliberate and intentional. It requires vision, sacrifice and strong institutions.

“Historically, Ondo State emerged as a centre of agrarian productivity, trade and artisanal enterprise. Cocoa, oil palm, timber, fishing and commerce formed the backbone of the economy, while communal labour and social solidarity sustained livelihoods and strengthened social bonds.

“Beyond economics, our people were shaped by enduring values – integrity, diligence, respect for authority, communal responsibility and moral restraint. These values became the invisible foundation upon which social order and governance rested. Education, even in those early years, was recognised as the most powerful tool of transformation.

“Mission schools, teacher training colleges and community-driven learning centres produced generations of professionals, administrators, scholars and leaders who served not only Ondo State, but Nigeria and the global community with distinction.

“Fifty years on, Ondo State stands transformed, not without challenges, but with remarkable progress and renewed confidence. Our economy is steadily transitioning from primary production to value addition and industrial processing.

“Flagship initiatives such as the Sunshine Free Trade Zone, the Golden Ceramics Industrial Plant, and the Ethanol Plant in Ore, the Ondo Deep Sea Port and others underscore our commitment to job creation, investor confidence and industrial diversification.

“Tourism is also being deliberately repositioned as a growth driver through the development of our coastline, eco-tourism assets and rich cultural heritage, creating new opportunities for local enterprise and community participation. We continue to invest deliberately in education, skills acquisition and youth empowerment, fully recognising that human capital remains our most strategic asset.

“Scholarships, vocational training programmes, digital literacy initiatives and innovation hubs are being deployed to prepare our young people for an increasingly competitive global economy. In the area of infrastructure and connectivity, strategic investments in roads, bridges, transport corridors, energy and water infrastructure, including the Onyearugbulem–Irese Bridge are enhancing mobility, trade and social integration across both urban and rural communities.

 

“Development is not the exclusive responsibility of government; it is collective and collaborative. Our citizens must continue to contribute through entrepreneurship, innovation, community service and civic engagement, while our Diaspora should bring invaluable skills, capital, networks and global perspectives.

“Engaging the Ondo diaspora is, therefore, not optional, it is strategic and imperative for accelerated development, knowledge transfer and global competitiveness.

“Together, we must harness our natural and human resources responsibly; invest deliberately in our youth; preserve our moral and cultural foundations; and build enduring partnerships across government, the private sector, civil society and the global community”, he concluded.

The keynote speaker, The Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Mrs Olu Verheijen noted that Ondo State has the resources, infrastructure potential, and strategic positioning to emerge as Nigeria’s energy and industrial hub.

Verheijen noted that Ondo’s endowment in oil, gas, bitumen, agriculture, and solid minerals, combined with existing and emerging gas infrastructure, places the State in a unique position to drive industrial growth and energy security.

She stressed that value addition, rather than exporting raw materials, remains key to job creation, revenue generation, and sustainable development.

Reflecting on the State’s journey since its creation in 1976, the presidential aide paid tribute to Ondo’s founding leaders and the millions of citizens whose labour built its institutions and economy.

She described the Omoluabi ethic, anchored on hard work, integrity, and community, as the enduring strength of the people and the foundation for future progress.

Looking ahead, Verheijen called for clarity of vision, disciplined leadership, and collective commitment to unlock Ondo’s vast potential, expressing confidence that with ongoing federal projects, energy reforms, and industrial investments, the State is well positioned to secure a prosperous future for generations to come.

An erstwhile Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, attributed Ondo State’s emergence as an oil-producing state to visionary leadership, strategic sacrifices and collaborative governance, warning that disregarding the counsel of elders and the lessons of history could jeopardise the state’s development.

Olanipekun, who is the chairman of the public lecture, reflected on his tenure as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice under former Governor Dr Olusegun Mimiko and as Commissioner for Health under the administration of Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua.

He noted that their joint efforts, alongside other stakeholders, led to the drafting of the decree that enabled Ondo to tap into its hydrocarbon potential.

“Leadership requires humility, the willingness to listen and adherence to truth,” Olanipekun said.

“Ignoring advice born of experience is dangerous for any society. We are still young and we want you to lead us on.”

Olanipekun emphasised that Ondo’s achievements were no accident but the product of deliberate planning, strategic choices, and foresight.

Reflecting on past administrations, both military and civilian, and the enduring contributions of prominent families and individuals, he stressed that preserving these legacies was essential to safeguarding the state’s identity and guiding future generations.

“The essence of history is to preserve the sacrifices, legacies and achievements of those who came before us,” he said, urging that these stories continue to inspire youth and leaders alike.

In his welcome address, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, Secretary to the State Government and chairman of the anniversary committee, described the celebrations as nostalgic and deeply emotional, recalling his youth when the state was created.

He expressed gratitude to past leaders, royal fathers, elder statesmen and members of the planning committee, revealing that eminent citizens, including octogenarians and nonagenarians, would be honoured during the festivities.

He praised Governor Aiyedatiwa and former Governor Mimiko for their contributions, describing Ondo State as the “Sunshine State and a state of excellence.”

The event held at the international Culture and Event Center, The Dome, had in attendance; Ondo State First Lady, Mrs Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa; the Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; his wife, Mrs Abosede Adelami; Chief Judge of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip; former Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; former Deputy Governors, Alhaji Abdulazeez Oluboyo and Otunba Omolade Oluwateru; State Chairman of APC, Engr Ade Adetimehin; members of the State Executive Council; members of the Ondo State House of Assembly; Local Government chairmen; APC chieftains; elder statesmen; political appointees; traditional rulers; heads of security agencies; and other eminent personalities.