Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has described the fiftieth anniversary of the creation of Ogun State as a second of deep reflection, gratitude, and renewed dedication to sustained growth.
In a statewide broadcast on Tuesday to mark the Golden Jubilee celebration, Governor Abiodun mentioned the milestone underscored 5 a long time of purposeful existence, constructed on the imaginative and prescient, sacrifices, and collective willpower of the individuals of the Gateway State.
He recalled that Ogun State was created on February 3, 1976, out of the outdated Western Area, noting that the choice gave start to a state based on readability of goal and a robust sense of future. In keeping with him, the Golden Jubilee presents a possibility to have fun the achievements of the previous whereas making ready the state for a extra affluent future.
The governor expressed gratitude to Almighty God and paid particular tribute to President Bola Tinubu for main the nation at a historic second when a number of states, together with Ogun, are marking 50 years of creation. He prayed for continued knowledge and energy for the President as he implements the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Governor Abiodun highlighted the contributions of previous leaders to the expansion and stability of the state, acknowledging the roles performed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Governor Olusegun Osoba, and different civilian and army directors who guided the state by completely different phases of its historical past.
He mentioned Ogun State had earned a repute as a fountain of excellence, having produced notable nationwide and international figures equivalent to Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Chief MKO Abiola, Chief Ernest Shonekan, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, and Tai Solarin, amongst others.
The governor additionally praised the contributions of girls from the state, together with Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, describing them as trailblazers who broke boundaries and impressed generations.
In keeping with Abiodun, political stability, spiritual tolerance, and inclusive governance have remained defining strengths of Ogun State, making a peaceable surroundings conducive to progress and funding.
He famous that training has persistently been central to the state’s id, including that Ogun has advanced into Nigeria’s training capital with quite a few federal, state, and personal tertiary establishments. He additionally highlighted the state’s strategic location and rising industrial base as key drivers of {economic} growth.
Governor Abiodun mentioned his administration had prioritised infrastructure growth, with over 1,600 kilometres of roads constructed or rehabilitated throughout the state. He added that the Gateway Worldwide Airport has been accomplished and authorized, whereas tasks such because the Kajola and Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Ports and plans for the Olokola Deep Sea Port are anticipated to additional strengthen the state’s economic system.
He disclosed that Ogun State’s economic system is now estimated at about ₦17 trillion, with Internally Generated Income rising from about ₦52 billion in 2020 to roughly ₦250 billion by the tip of 2025. He mentioned vital progress had additionally been recorded in healthcare, training, housing, agriculture, energy, safety, and social empowerment.
Whereas celebrating the achievements of the previous 5 a long time, the governor urged residents to stay united and dedicated to the state’s continued progress. He known as on the youth to hold ahead the legacy of exhausting work and duty, whereas appreciating elders and pioneers for laying a strong basis.
Governor Abiodun reaffirmed his dedication to inclusive, clear, and people-centred governance, describing the Golden Jubilee as each a celebration and a name to renewal for all residents of Ogun State.