• Says state capable of leading Africa’s subnational economies
• Olanipekun tasks S’West on self-driven development
• Aiyedatiwa vows to build on past leaders’ foundations
• Oyo directs early closure of offices for state’s 50th anniversary

Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Taiwo Oyedele, has tasked Ondo State, particularly its leaders and citizens, to engineer what he described as a disciplined shift from a primary-resource economy to a diversified industrial and technological hub.

Oyedele, who harped on the need for a transformative and long-term development agenda for the state, emphasised that the future of the state hinged on an audacious vision, meticulous planning, and flawless execution.

He spoke during a public lecture to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the state at The Dome in Akure, the state capital, adding that the state must move decisively beyond dependence on federation allocations.

On her part, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, Olu Arowolo Verheijen, urged that the anniversary must be moments of recommitment.

Also, Wole Olanipekun (SAN), who chaired the event, said that Yoruba elders and leaders should endeavour to rise above complacency and take deliberate and passionate steps towards the development and long-term security of the South-West.

Earlier, Aiyedatiwa described the golden jubilee as both a milestone and a mirror for reflection on the past, an honest assessment of the present and deliberate planning for the future.

Meanwhile, Oyo State Government has approved early closure of offices across all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to enable public officers to fully participate in the grand finale of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of the state.

The directive was conveyed in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Musibau Adetunji Babatunde, yesterday.

According to the directive, all state government offices are to close by noon today, February 3, 2026.

The approval, which was granted by the state governor, Seyi Makinde, as part of preparations for the golden jubilee celebration tagged Oyo@50, urged Heads of the MDAs to ensure strict compliance with the directive and also make adequate arrangements for skeletal services in critical areas where necessary.

The SSG, therefore, emphasised that the information should be given the widest publicity to ensure awareness and compliance across the state.