Ogun @ 50: Abiodun Calls for Unity, Renewal as Gateway State Marks Golden Jubilee
Governor Dapo Abiodun has urged residents of Ogun State to embrace unity, shared responsibility, and renewed commitment to progress as the state marks 50 years of its creation.
In a statewide broadcast on Tuesday February 3, 2026 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee, the Governor said the anniversary is not only a celebration of longevity but a call for collective reflection on the journey so far and the work that lies ahead.
He described Ogun State as a product of resilience, sacrifice, and an enduring belief in a common destiny.
Tracing the State’s origins to February 3, 1976, when it was carved out of the former Western Region, Abiodun said Ogun was founded on a clear vision of purposeful governance and self-determination.
According to him, the milestone provides an opportunity to honour the past while recommitting to a future defined by inclusive growth and sustainable development.
The Governor expressed gratitude to God for the State’s stability over the decades and commended President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for steering the Nation at a period when several States are celebrating their Golden Jubilees.
He pledged Ogun State’s continued alignment with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda for National development.
Abiodun acknowledged the contributions of past civilian and military administrators, noting that their leadership laid the groundwork for the political stability and institutional strength the state enjoys today.
He specifically referenced the roles played by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Governor Olusegun Osoba, and other leaders who guided the state through critical phases of its evolution.
He said Ogun’s identity as a cradle of excellence remains intact, citing the state’s production of eminent personalities who have shaped Nigeria and the world, including Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Chief MKO Abiola, Chief Ernest Shonekan, former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Sir Adetokunbo Ademola, and Tai Solarin.
He also highlighted the enduring impact of women leaders such as Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, whom he described as symbols of courage and social change.
According to the Governor, the peaceful coexistence among different faiths and political interests has been a major asset for Ogun State, creating a climate of stability that continues to attract investors and development partners.
Focusing on the future, Abiodun said his administration has deliberately invested in infrastructure and economic enablers to position the state for long-term prosperity.
He noted that more than 1,600 kilometres of roads have been delivered, while the completion and certification of the Gateway International Airport have opened new economic frontiers.
He added that ongoing initiatives such as the Kajola and Ijebu-Ode Inland Dry Ports, as well as the proposed Olokola Deep Sea Port, are expected to deepen industrial growth and job creation.
The Governor revealed that Ogun State’s economy is now valued at about ₦17 trillion, with Internally Generated Revenue growing from roughly ₦52 billion in 2020 to an estimated ₦250 billion by the end of 2025.
He said advances have also been recorded across key sectors including education, healthcare, agriculture, housing, power, security, and social welfare.
As part of the Golden Jubilee message, Abiodun called on the youth to see themselves as custodians of the State’s future, urging them to uphold the values of diligence, innovation, and civic responsibility.
He also paid tribute to elders, pioneers, and public servants whose sacrifices, he said, laid the foundation for today’s progress.
Governor Abiodun concluded by reaffirming his commitment to transparent, inclusive, and people-oriented governance, stressing that Ogun at 50 represents both a celebration of legacy and a renewed pledge to build a stronger, more prosperous Gateway State for generations to come.
