Ondo @50: Gov Aiyedatiwa hails founding fathers

……….Reaffirms commitment to people-centred development

By Precious Oluwole

As Ondo State marks its 50th year anniversary of creation, Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has hailed the struggles of the founding fathers, whose foresight and sacrifice laid the cornerstone of the State.

Addressing the newsmen at the world press conference heralding the 50th anniversary, on Thursday, the Governor said the anniversary is not merely commemorative; it is civilisational in significance, as it offers a rare opportunity to interrogate the past, evaluate the present and deliberately design the future.

“Fifty years in the life of a State is sufficient time to assess the vision that inspired its birth and the fidelity with which successive administrations and generations have pursued that vision.

“The creation of Ondo State was the culmination of years of prolonged political agitation, intellectual advocacy and moral persuasion. It emerged from the legitimate yearning of a people who believed that governance must be closer to the governed and that identity, equity and inclusive development are best achieved when a people are granted administrative self-expression. The struggle was arduous, sustained by courage rather than convenience and by conviction rather than compromise”.

The Governor paid glowing tribute to Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, the first civilian Governor, describing him as “a rare gem, a statesman of extraordinary integrity whose principled leadership set enduring standards for governance, public morality and the benchmark within which governments were assessed in Ondo State.”

He also acknowledged the contributions of other nationalists and elders, including the late Chief Ayo Fasanmi, Pa Reuben Fasoranti and Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, noting that their legacy remains ingrained in the State’s political consciousness.

Aiyedatiwa recognised successive administrators, both military and civilian, for shaping Ondo State’s growth, from Wing Commander David Ikpeme, the pioneer Military Administrator, through Colonel Moses Fasanya, to civilian leaders including Chief Bamidele Olumilua, Chief Adebayo Adefarati, Dr Olusegun Agagu, Dr Olusegun Mimiko and his immediate predecessor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, SAN, CON.

He also paid tribute to the first generation of public servants, led by Chief Theophilus Iwajomo and Chief Elkanah Adeneye Emuleomo, who laid the foundation for institutionalised governance in the State.

The Governor noted that 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”.

Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that his administration remains resolute in its commitment to people-centred development, anchored on fiscal responsibility, institutional efficiency and social inclusion.

He said “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”.

He urged all stakeholders to join hands with the government in making the anniversary a celebration of meaning, memory and momentum.

 

“The Golden Jubilee of Ondo State is a collective heritage and a shared responsibility. It belongs to every citizen, young and old, at home and in the diaspora.

“As we honour the sacrifices of yesterday, celebrate the achievements of today and envision the possibilities of tomorrow, let us reaffirm our faith in the Ondo project. Together, we shall continue to build a State that guarantees fulfilment for everyone”, he concluded.

On power supply, he said electricity distribution companies are working closely with the State government. “We are regulating electricity, although we are not yet generating our own power. O’datiwa metres are being distributed to residents. Electricity is not cheap for now, but over time, our administration will improve it and make it affordable for all,” he assured.

In his vote of thanks, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, reminisced about the creation of Ondo State, describing himself as privileged to have witnessed the historic event firsthand.

In attendance were: The Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, represented by his Deputy, Rt. Hon. Ololade Gbegudu; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Chief Justice of Ondo State, Justice Olusegun Odusola; State Chairman of APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin; Members of the State Executive Council; Members of Ondo State House of Assembly; Director-general, Project Implementation and Monitoring Unit, Engr. Rasaq Obe; political appointees, among other dignitaries.