Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has described the state’s 50th anniversary as a defining moment for reflection, thanksgiving, and renewed dedication to sustainable development.
In a statewide broadcast on Tuesday to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Ogun State, the Governor said the milestone represents five decades of purposeful existence anchored on vision, sacrifice, and the collective resolve of the people of the Gateway State.
Governor Abiodun recalled that Ogun State was created on February 3, 1976, from the old Western Region, stressing that its birth was guided by clarity of purpose and a strong sense of destiny. According to him, the Golden Jubilee offers a unique opportunity to celebrate past accomplishments while repositioning the state for a more prosperous future.
He expressed gratitude to Almighty God and paid tribute to President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for providing leadership at a historic time when several states, including Ogun, are marking 50 years of creation. The governor prayed for continued wisdom and strength for the President as he drives the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Acknowledging the foundations laid by previous administrations, Abiodun commended the roles of past leaders, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Governor Olusegun Osoba, and other civilian and military administrators, for their contributions to the stability and growth of the state.
He noted that Ogun State has earned global recognition as a fountain of excellence, producing iconic figures such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, Chief MKO Abiola, Chief Ernest Shonekan, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, and educationist Tai Solarin, among others.
The governor also celebrated the contributions of women from the state, singling out Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and other trailblazers who broke barriers and inspired generations.
According to Abiodun, political stability, religious tolerance, and inclusive governance have remained enduring strengths of Ogun State, fostering peace and creating an enabling environment for investment and development.
He said education has consistently defined the state’s identity, describing Ogun as Nigeria’s education capital with a concentration of federal, state, and private tertiary institutions. He added that the state’s strategic location and expanding industrial base have continued to drive economic growth.
Highlighting achievements of his administration, Governor Abiodun disclosed that over 1,600 kilometres of roads have been constructed or rehabilitated across the state. He said the Gateway International Airport has been completed and certified, while strategic projects such as the Kajola and Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Ports, alongside plans for the Olokola Deep Sea Port, are expected to further boost the state’s economy.
He revealed that Ogun State’s economy is now estimated at about ₦17 trillion, with Internally Generated Revenue increasing from approximately ₦52 billion in 2020 to about ₦250 billion by the end of 2025. He added that notable progress has been recorded in healthcare, education, housing, agriculture, power, security, and social empowerment.
While celebrating the achievements of the last five decades, the governor urged residents to remain united and committed to the continued growth of the state. He charged the youth to uphold the legacy of hard work and responsibility, while appreciating elders and pioneers for laying a solid foundation.
Governor Abiodun reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive, transparent, and people-centred governance, describing the Golden Jubilee not only as a celebration of the past, but also as a call to renewal and shared responsibility for the future of Ogun State.
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