Tinubu, Oyebanji Applaud Ondo’s Developmental Strides At 50th Anniversary

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has commended Ondo State for its remarkable and consistent development over the past fifty years, describing the state as a shining example of steady growth and purposeful leadership in the country.

Speaking at a colourful ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ondo State in Akure, the state capital, on Tuesday, President Tinubu said Ondo has demonstrated strong dedication to the advancement of democracy and and progress, especially in the area of education, infrastructure and human capital development, adding that the state’s growth trajectory remains a source of pride to the country.

The President, who was represented by the Minister of Interior, Hon Olubunmi Tunji- Ojo, spoke just as Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, praised the resilience , unity, and commitment of the people of the sunshine state, noting that the state has recoded significant achievements across various sectors since its creation in 1976.

The President said: “As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of Ondo State, I hold the people of Ondo State with very high regards, I recognize the resilience, industrial and civic responsibility of Ondo people.

“During the last national election, the people of Ondo State demonstrated remarkable participation, discipline, and commitment to democratic ideals, your engagements strengthen the nation’s democracy and reinforce our believe in purposeful leadership. I deeply appreciate your support and I assure all citizens of Ondo State that my administration remains commuted to serving Nigerians equitably”.

Also in his remarks, Governor Oyebanji, who congratulated the government and the people of Ondo State for sustaining the vision of its founding fathers, acknowledged the state’s consistency in delivering meaningful development, stressing that Ondo has continued to play a vital role in the socio-economic advancement of the South-West region and Nigeria as a whole.

The Governor noted that the progress recorded by Ondo State serves as motivation for other states to remain committed to policies and programmes that enhance the welfare and wellbeing of their citizens.

“I bring greetings from your brothers and sisters in Ekiti State, we started this journey together 50 years ago but 29 years ago we left and we are so grateful to God that Ondo is going up and up and good things are happening in Ondo State. We are so proud of the development strides that Ondo State has achieved”.

The Governor asserted.In his response, Ondo State Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, who expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other dignitaries for joining the state in celebrating its golden jubilee, described the 50th anniversary as a significant milestone that reflects the sacrifices, vision and collective efforts of the founding fathers and successive administrations that have contributed to the growth and transformation of the state.

Governor Aiyedatiwa also commended the people of Ondo State for their enduring unity, resilience and support for government initiatives over the years and urged them to continue to work together in peace and harmony, assuring that his administration remains focused on building a more prosperous, inclusive and sustainable future for the State.

While noting that Ondo State has made remarkable progress in critical sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture and industrial development, the Governor further reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining policies and programmes that will further improve the standard of living of residents, attract investments and create opportunities for economic prosperity across the state.

It is recalled that Ondo State, like Ogun and Oyo States, was created from the old Western Region, when the country embraced the 19- state structure in 1976. Ekiti State was carved out of the old Ondo State on October 1, 1996.