Comrade (Engr) Bola Taiwo, the Special Adviser to the Executive Governor of Ondo State on Union Matters And Special Duties has hailed the state’s celebration of 50 years of its creation today, Peak Newspaper reports.
In a statement he personally signed and made available to Peak Newspaper, Comrade Bola Taiwo recalled the origin of the state and how it has evolved in the past fifty years, noting that it is a celebration of progress and renewed hope under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
He noted that clocking 50 years on February 3, 2026, the state is imbued with “a rich sense of history, pride in collective achievement and renewed optimism for the future.”
“Created on February 3, 1976, out of the old Western State during the military administration of General Murtala Mohammed, Ondo State, he said, was conceived as a home for a people renowned for industry, intellect, cultural depth and an unyielding commitment to progress. Fifty years on, the state stands tall as one of Nigeria’s most culturally endowed and human-capital-rich sub-national entities.
“The creation of Ondo State marked a defining moment for its people, bringing governance closer to the grassroots and providing an opportunity for focused development. From its early days, the state leveraged its agricultural potential, vibrant civil service, strong traditional institutions and an educated population to lay the foundations for growth.
“Towns and communities across the state contributed to building a sense of shared identity anchored on hard work, integrity and communal values.
“Over the last five decades, Ondo State has recorded notable milestones in education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure and human capital development.
“The state has consistently produced some of Nigeria’s finest professionals, academics, jurists, technocrats, artists, entrepreneurs and public servants, many of whom have distinguished themselves nationally and internationally,” he said.
Speaking further, Comrade Bola said; “Agriculture has remained a backbone of the state’s economy, with cocoa production placing Ondo State at the forefront nationally, while investments in education have sustained its reputation as a cradle of learning. Despite challenges common to developing societies, the resilience and enterprise of the Ondo State people have continued to drive progress.
“The return to democratic governance in 1999 ushered in a new era of participatory development and institutional strengthening. Successive administrations, with varying philosophies and priorities, have contributed to shaping the modern Ondo State. Democracy expanded civic engagement, enhanced accountability, and enabled long-term planning in key sectors such as education, health, road infrastructure and social welfare.
“This democratic journey has not been without challenges, but it has reinforced the people’s belief in dialogue, constitutionalism and collective responsibility as pathways to sustainable development.
“The commemoration of Ondo State’s Golden Jubilee under the leadership of Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa is deeply symbolic. It presents a historic opportunity to reflect on the past, assess the present, and chart a clear, people-centered path for the future.
“Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration has articulated the OUR EASE Agenda, a development blueprint focused on Opportunity, Unity, Resilience, Economic growth, Security and Education.
As Ondo State marks 50 years today, this agenda represents a commitment to inclusive governance, economic revitalization, social stability and improved quality of life for citizens. he added.
