Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has hailed the vision of the pioneer leaders who championed the creation of the state 50 years ago, and has also lauded the contributions of past governors, noting that their efforts across various sectors of the economy have solidly positioned the state.

While disclosing that the state will bestow a special honour on the late former Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, as a central part of the golden jubilee celebration, he emphasised that the recognition was due to decisive action and the visionary state-creation policy of 1976, which directly led to the establishment of the state.

The governor stated this during a press conference held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Lodge of Government House, Akure, the state, where he reeled out activities for the milestone anniversary.

Aiyedatiwa, who described the creation of the state as the culmination of prolonged political agitation and intellectual advocacy, hailed the contributions of nationalist leaders, including the late Chief Ayo Fasanmi, the late Barrister Deji Adegoroye, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, and Basorun Seinde Arogbofa, and stressed that their contributions remain deeply embedded in the state’s political fabric.

The governor, who lauded the first civilian governor, Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, as one of the pioneer leaders who shaped the state, described him as a statesman of rare integrity.

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.

Reflecting on the State’s achievements, the governor cited significant progress in education, healthcare delivery, agriculture, industrialisation, road infrastructure, public sector reforms and human capital development.

He outlined the golden jubilee programme, which includes statewide interfaith thanksgiving services, a lecture series themed “Ondo State Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow”, grand cultural and historical exhibitions and a gala and award night to celebrate excellence and service, as communicated by the Anniversary Planning Committee.

On governance, Aiyedatiwa reiterated his administration’s commitment to people-centred development, anchored on fiscal responsibility, institutional efficiency, and social inclusion, adding that the government is investing in critical infrastructure, urban renewal, healthcare revitalisation, education reform, agricultural value chains and economic diversification in collaboration with the private sector and development partners.

The governor also outlined a vision for the next 50 years, centred on knowledge-driven growth, industrial competitiveness, environmental sustainability, digital innovation and strong democratic institutions.

He added that the proposed seaport, alongside petrochemical fertiliser plants and bitumen exploration, will boost agriculture and create jobs.

On industrial projects, Aiyedatiwa revealed that a refinery, fertiliser, and petrochemical plant have been approved, with groundbreaking scheduled for the first quarter of the year.