The Ondo State Government has announced plans to honour a late former military Head of State, Gen. Murtala Muhammed, Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti, and other notable individuals as part of activities marking the state’s 50th anniversary.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa disclosed this on Thursday during a press conference in Akure to herald the golden jubilee celebrations.
Ondo State was created on February 3, 1976, following a nationwide state-creation exercise announced by the Muhammed-led military administration, and it will mark 50 years of existence on February 3, 2026.
Aiyedatiwa said Muhammed would be honoured for his role in the creation of the state, adding that other deserving sons and daughters of Ondo State, both living and deceased, would also be recognised for their contributions to its development.
According to the governor, the creation of the state was the result of years of agitation and advocacy by those who believed that governance should be brought closer to the people.
He said the golden jubilee Ondo at 50: Aiyedatiwa to honour Murtala Muhammed, Fasoranti, others
The Ondo State Government has announced plans to honour the late former military Head of State, Gen. Murtala Muhammed, Afenifere leader Pa Reuben Fasoranti, and other notable individuals as part of activities marking the state’s 50th anniversary.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa disclosed this on Thursday during a press conference in Akure to herald the golden jubilee celebrations.
Ondo State was created on February 3, 1976, following a nationwide state-creation exercise announced by the Muhammed-led military administration, and it will mark 50 years of existence on February 3, 2026.
Aiyedatiwa said Muhammed would be honoured for his role in the creation of the state, adding that other deserving sons and daughters of Ondo State, both living and deceased, would also be recognised for their contributions to its development.
According to the governor, the creation of the state was the result of years of agitation and advocacy by those who believed that governance should be brought closer to the people.
He said the golden jubilee would serve not only as a moment of reflection but also an opportunity to chart a new course for the state’s future.
The governor stated, “As we commemorate fifty years, our gaze is firmly fixed on the future.
“The next half-century must be defined by knowledge-driven growth, industrial competitiveness, environmental sustainability, digital innovation, and strong democratic institutions.
“We are laying the groundwork today for a state that will not merely respond to change, but shape it: a state where opportunity is inclusive and prosperity is sustainable.”
He noted that the state had recorded progress over the decades in areas such as education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure development and human capital growth, describing the anniversary as a shared heritage for all citizens, including those in the diaspora.
The governor urged residents and stakeholders to support the anniversary activities, saying the celebration would be both commemorative and forward-looking.
He added that the milestone provided an opportunity to assess the vision behind the state’s creation, evaluate its present condition and deliberately plan for sustainable development in the years ahead.
NAN serve not only as a moment of reflection but also an opportunity to chart a new course for the state’s future.
The governor stated, “As we commemorate fifty years, our gaze is firmly fixed on the future.
“The next half-century must be defined by knowledge-driven growth, industrial competitiveness, environmental sustainability, digital innovation, and strong democratic institutions.
“We are laying the groundwork today for a state that will not merely respond to change, but shape it: a state where opportunity is inclusive and prosperity is sustainable.”
He noted that the state had recorded progress over the decades in areas such as education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure development and human capital growth, describing the anniversary as a shared heritage for all citizens, including those in the diaspora.
The governor urged residents and stakeholders to support the anniversary activities, saying the celebration would be both commemorative and forward-looking.
He added that the milestone provided an opportunity to assess the vision behind the state’s creation, evaluate its present condition and deliberately plan for sustainable development in the years ahead.
