Obasanjo, Osoba, others celebrate Ogun at 50
*Gov declares public holiday
By SUMAYYAH ADEFAKA
Activities marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ogun State continued yesterday with an interfaith thanksgiving and prayer session held at the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
The event drew a distinguished audience, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Governor Olusegun Osoba, past military administrators, traditional rulers, and other eminent sons and daughters of the state.
Addressing the gathering, Governor Dapo Abiodun said Ogun State had recorded remarkable progress over the past five decades, particularly in education, housing, healthcare, agriculture, and other key sectors of the economy.
According to him, Ogun is now one of the fastest-growing economies in Nigeria, with an estimated value of N17 trillion.
“Recent reports rank Ogun as the second-largest economy in Nigeria, after Lagos. Our state has attained an unprecedented level of prominence and excellence,” the governor said.
Abiodun noted that Ogun has become the gateway to Nigeria’s prosperity, driven by multimodal transportation infrastructure, a world-class airport, and an extensive road network.
He added that the state leads in education across all levels, has delivered an unprecedented number of affordable housing units, strengthened its healthcare system, and supported productive farmers, reinforcing its status as Nigeria’s industrial capital.
The governor also paid tribute to notable sons and daughters of the state, including Obafemi Awolowo, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Olusegun Obasanjo, and MKO Abiola, whose legacies laid a strong foundation for Ogun’s development.
In his remarks, Obasanjo commended past leaders of the state for their vision and dedication, noting that Ogun had made significant contributions to national development through its people.
He urged the current administration to further leverage the state’s proximity to Lagos by strengthening infrastructure and attracting more investments.
Osoba recalled Ogun’s historic role in producing the first Chief Judge of the Federation and highlighted the contributions of key figures to the creation of the state.
He said the current administration was effectively building on the foundation laid by previous governments.
Speaking on behalf of former military administrators, Commodore Kayode Olofinmoyin (rtd.) described Ogun as fortunate to have an educated and enlightened population, as well as leaders committed to the welfare of the people. He commended Abiodun for giving attention to all sectors of the economy.
Meanwhile, the state government has declared today, February 3, a public holiday across the state to commemorate the state’s 50th anniversary.
The declaration was contained in a statement issued yesterday by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, who said the public holiday is to enable residents to fully participate in activities lined up for the Golden Jubilee celebration.
