Ogun at 50: Leaders Reflect on Legacy, Progress at Interfaith Thanksgiving

As part of events marking the 50th anniversary of Ogun State, Political Leaders, Traditional rulers and stakeholders on Monday February 2, converged on the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, for an interfaith thanksgiving and prayer session that focused on reflection, gratitude and the future of the State.

The ceremony brought together former President Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, former Governor Chief Olusegun Osoba, past Military Administrators, Royal fathers and other notable indigenes, underscoring Ogun State’s enduring influence in Nigeria’s political, economic and intellectual history.

Speaking at the event, Governor Dapo Abiodun said the Golden Jubilee offered an opportunity not only to celebrate achievements but also to assess the foundations laid by past leaders and chart a sustainable path forward. He noted that over five decades, Ogun State has evolved into a major economic force, with an estimated economy valued at about ₦17 trillion.

According to the Governor, recent assessments have ranked Ogun as Nigeria’s second-largest economy after Lagos, a development he attributed to deliberate investments in infrastructure, education and industrial growth.

“Ogun State has positioned itself as a gateway to Nigeria’s prosperity through multimodal transport systems, a world-class airport and an expanding road network,” Abiodun said, adding that the state has also recorded significant gains in Affordable Housing Delivery, Healthcare Services, Agricultural Productivity and Industrial expansion.

He acknowledged the contributions of past leaders and distinguished indigenes such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Nobel Laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Chief MKO Abiola, describing them as pillars whose sacrifices and vision shaped the identity and progress of the State.

In his remarks, former President Obasanjo described Ogun State as a critical contributor to Nigeria’s National development, stressing that its strength lies in the quality of its human capital. He urged the present administration to continue to take advantage of the State’s proximity to Lagos by expanding infrastructure and creating an even more attractive environment for investors.

Former Governor Osoba reflected on the historical journey of Ogun since its creation in 1976, highlighting the role of key individuals in the State’s emergence and early development. He said the current administration was building steadily on the legacy of past Governments.

Representing former Military Administrators, retired Commodore Kayode Olofinmoyin noted that Ogun’s progress was rooted in its educated and enlightened population, as well as leadership committed to inclusive development. He commended Governor Abiodun for maintaining focus across all sectors of the economy.

The Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas and the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, called on the Governor to sustain the pace of development and ensure equitable distribution of projects across the State, noting that Areas such as Yewaland had benefitted from recent interventions.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Governor’s Advisory Council and pioneer Civil Servant, Pa Olu Okuboyejo, recalled the uncertainties and administrative challenges that accompanied the creation of Ogun State in 1976, expressing gratitude for the stability and progress recorded over the years.

In a sermon titled “Ogun State, Be Grateful to God for Your Inheritance,” Bishop Michael Fape emphasized the role of visionary leadership in the state’s journey, commending the Abiodun administration’s ISEYA agenda for strengthening the economic base of Ogun State. He urged citizens to engage in constructive dialogue that would further promote unity and development.