The “Sunshine State” shimmered with historical significance on Tuesday as the Ondo State Government celebrated its 50th Anniversary with a prestigious Gala and Award Night. Held at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome) in Akure, the event served as a bridge between the state’s foundational past and its projected future.
Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, hosting a gallery of Nigeria’s most influential figures, described the jubilee as a “fitting crescendo” to five decades of collective sacrifice. He emphasized that the honors bestowed were not merely ceremonial but a “binding covenant” to uphold the excellence defined by the state’s founding fathers.
A Roll Call of Icons
The evening saw a rare gathering of statesmen and pioneers. Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to an array of distinguished Nigerians, including:
- Political Leaders: Former Governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko and Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami.
- Legal Giants: Justice Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju and Justice Olusegun Odusola.
- Elder Statesmen: Chief Reuben Fasoranti and Chief Sehinde Arogbofa.
- Cultural & Business Icons: Music legend King Sunny Ade, industrialist Chief Michael Ade Ojo (Elizade), and Engr. Funsho Kupolokun.
Honoring the Departed
In a poignant segment of the night, the state recognized those who built its pillars from the grave. Posthumous Awards were given to former governors including Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, and the recently departed Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN. National figures like General Murtala Mohammed and the legal activist Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN, were also honored for their indelible footprints on the state’s history.
A Vision for the Next Generation
Beyond the nostalgia, the Jubilee focused heavily on the future. The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo, SAN, unveiled a “Time Capsule” initiative. This includes a formal charter to be signed by the heads of the Executive, Legislature, and Judiciary, serving as a governance roadmap for the next 20 years.
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To involve the youth, the state concluded an essay competition for those aged 20–25, projecting the trajectory of Ondo State through the eyes of its future leaders. Governor Aiyedatiwa reiterated that the anniversary’s true purpose is to “draw strength from history to meet future challenges,” specifically in diversifying the economy and deepening social cohesion.
