By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The Ogun State Government on Sunday marked a major milestone in its history as Governor Dapo Abiodun led residents, traditional rulers, political leaders and stakeholders to an interfaith thanksgiving and prayer session at the Arcade Ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the creation of the state.
The event, which formed part of the week-long activities celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Ogun State, attracted eminent personalities from across the country, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Governor Olusegun Osoba, past military administrators of the state, revered traditional rulers, captains of industry and notable sons and daughters of the Gateway State.
Speaking at the thanksgiving service, Governor Abiodun described the occasion as a moment of deep reflection, gratitude and renewed commitment to the ideals upon which Ogun State was founded on February 3, 1976.
“We have gathered here today to give thanks to God for how far Ogun State has come in the last 50 years. This celebration is not just about numbers; it is about the resilience, hard work and collective sacrifices of our people,” the governor said.
Governor Abiodun noted that from its modest beginnings, Ogun State has steadily evolved into one of Nigeria’s most economically vibrant and strategically positioned states, recording remarkable progress in education, healthcare, housing, agriculture and infrastructure development.
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According to him, Ogun State is today valued at about ₦17 trillion, making it one of the fastest-growing sub-national economies in the country and firmly established as Nigeria’s industrial capital.
“Ogun State has become the preferred destination for investors. Through sustained investments in infrastructure, multimodal transportation, road networks and our airport project, we are deliberately positioning our state as the gateway to national prosperity,” Abiodun stated.
He added that the government’s development agenda has remained people-centred, with deliberate efforts to improve the quality of life across urban and rural communities.
“We are determined to ensure that development is inclusive and that the dividends of democracy reach every corner of our state. Our focus is not only on growth, but on shared prosperity,” the governor said.
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The governor also paid glowing tribute to the founding fathers and heroes of Ogun State, whose sacrifices and vision laid the foundation for the progress recorded over the past five decades.
“We honour the memories of those who laboured to build this state. Their sacrifices will never be forgotten. We also appreciate the guidance and encouragement of our elder statesmen, traditional rulers and stakeholders, whose words continue to inspire us to stay the course,” he said.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in his remarks, commended the state for its steady development and urged successive leaders to continue to uphold the values of discipline, education and enterprise for which Ogun State is historically known.
Similarly, former Governor Olusegun Osoba described Ogun State as a pacesetter in governance and urged the current administration to deepen democratic dividends and institutional reforms.
Since its creation in 1976 from the former Western State, Ogun State has produced some of Nigeria’s most influential leaders, scholars and professionals, earning its reputation as the “Gateway State” and a cradle of excellence.
The Ogun@50 celebration, themed around thanksgiving, reflection and renewed commitment, underscores the state government’s resolve to consolidate past gains while charting a sustainable and prosperous future for coming generations.
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As the Golden Jubilee celebrations continue, Governor Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s determination to build “an even stronger, more inclusive and prosperous Ogun State that every citizen can be proud of.”
