Ogun at 50: Abiodun calls for reflection, unity, renewed commitment to development

Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has described the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ogun state as a moment for deep reflection, gratitude and renewed commitment to sustainable development.

Abiodun stated this in a statewide broadcast in Abeokuta on Tuesday as part of activities marking the Golden Jubilee of Ogun state.
He said that the celebration marked five decades of purposeful existence built on the vision, sacrifices and collective determination of the people of the state.

The governor recalled that the state was created on Feb. 3, 1976, out of the old Western region, noting that the development laid the foundation for a state driven by clarity of purpose and strong sense of destiny.

According to him, the Golden jubilee provides an opportunity to reflect on past achievements while repositioning the state for a more prosperous and inclusive future.

Abiodun expressed gratitude to God and commended President Bola Tinubu for leading the country at a time when several states, including Ogun, are marking 50 years of creation.

He prayed for continued wisdom and strength for the President in the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

“We acknowledged the contributions of past leaders to the growth and stability of the state, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Gov. Olusegun Osoba and other civilian and military administrators.

“We earned reputation as a fountain of excellence, having produced eminent Nigerians such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Chief M.K.O. Abiola, Chief Ernest Shonekan, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Sir Adetokunbo Ademola and Tai Solarin.

“We produced notable women from the state, including Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, describing them as trailblazers who contributed significantly to national development,” he said.

Abiodun noted that political stability, religious tolerance and inclusive governance had continued to define the state, creating a peaceful environment attractive to investors.

He said that education remained central to the state’s identity, adding that Ogun had become Nigeria’s education capital with a high concentration of tertiary institutions.

The governor said that strategic location of the state and its industrial growth had boosted economic expansion.

The governor said that his administration had constructed and rehabilitated over 1,600 kilometres of roads, and has completed and certified the Gateway International Airport.

He said that his administration was currently advancing projects such as the Kajola and Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Ports, as well as plans for the Olokola Deep Sea Port.

Abiodun disclosed that the state’s economy was estimated at about N17 trillion, with Internally Generated Revenue increasing from about N52 billion in 2020 to approximately N250 billion by the end of 2025.

He urged residents to remain united and committed to the state’s progress, calling on the youth to uphold the legacy of hard work, while appreciating elders and pioneers for their contributions.

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive, transparent and people-centred governance, describing the Golden Jubilee as both a celebration of the past and a call to renewal for all citizens of the state.