Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has rolled out a week-long itinerary to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the state’s creation.
This historic milestone, marking five decades since the state was carved out of the old Western State in 1976, is set to be a blend of intellectual discourse, cultural splendour, and statewide thanksgiving.
Taiwo Fasoranti, Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Chairman of the 50th Anniversary Committee, announced the schedule on Monday following a strategic committee meeting.
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He emphasised that the celebration reflects the vision of Aiyedatiwa to honour the state’s storied past while charting a sustainable course for the future.
A major centrepiece of the jubilee is the Public Anniversary Lecture themed “Ondo State: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow”, scheduled for Monday, February 2, 2026, at The Dome, Akure.
Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, an indigene of Ikaramu-Akoko, is expected to bring his global economic expertise to bear on the state’s fiscal future.
Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Energy, with two decades of experience in renewables and gas will provide insights into energy-driven growth.
Wole Olanipekun, a legal titan and prominent son of the soil, will also speak at the event.
The festivities are structured to ensure every sector of the “Sunshine State” is represented, beginning in late January and culminating in a grand finale on the actual anniversary day.
The programme will commence on Thursday, 29 January, with a World Press Conference scheduled for 11:00 a.m. at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Akure. Activities will continue on Friday, 30 January, with a Jumat Service holding at 2:00 p.m. at the Central Mosque, Akure.
On Sunday, 1 February, a Thanksgiving Service will take place at 10:00 a.m. at St Thomas’ Anglican Church, Isinkan.
The Public Anniversary Lecture is scheduled for Monday, 2 February, at 10:00 a.m. at The Dome, Akure.
On Tuesday, 3 February, Aiyedatiwa will deliver a state broadcast by 7:00 a.m. across television and radio stations.
Later the same day, a State Carnival and Cultural Festival will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the Ondo State Sports Stadium.
The celebrations will conclude with a Gala and Award Night, slated for 5:00 p.m. at The Dome, Akure.
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Speaking on behalf of the Media and Publicity Committee, the Commissioner for Information, Idowu Ajanaku, joined Fasoranti in inviting all sons and daughters of the state, both at home and in the diaspora, to participate actively.
“The Ondo at 50 celebration is a moment to strengthen our unity and renew our collective commitment to progress,” Fasoranti noted.
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