Governor of Ondo State, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has attributed the survival and steady progress of the state over the past five decades to divine guidance, the resilience of its people and the central role of faith in governance.
The Governor spoke on Sunday at the Ondo State @ 50 Golden Jubilee Thanksgiving Service held at St Thomas’ Anglican Church, Isinkan, Akure.
Addressing clergymen, worshippers and the citizens of the state, Governor Aiyedatiwa described the golden jubilee as a moment of profound gratitude, reflection and fellowship, noting that both the achievements recorded and the challenges overcome by the state bore the unmistakable imprint of God’s grace.
He recalled that Ondo State was established 50 years ago as a beacon of governance, unity and opportunity, anchored on principles that uphold human dignity, communal solidarity and moral responsibility.
According to the governor, the state’s progress had been sustained not only by the diligence of its people but also by steadfast reliance on divine guidance.
He stressed that faith had inspired courage, illuminated wisdom and anchored the conscience of leaders and communities, describing the state’s 50-year existence as a testimony to vision, resilience and divine providence.
Governor Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the central role of the Church in the state’s journey, describing pastors, ministers and Christian leaders as key drivers of moral values, social cohesion, and civic responsibility.
He said that through worship, teaching, and counsel, the Church had strengthened community character and enriched the moral foundation upon which governance rests.
He expressed appreciation for the resilience and dedication of the people of Ondo State, whose labour, commitment and solidarity, he said, had sustained families, communities and institutions over the decades.
He also commended past and present leaders for their vision, wisdom and courage in steering governance and development, as well as the Church for nurturing ethical leadership, social cohesion and moral responsibility.
The Governor said the thanksgiving service was not only an expression of gratitude but also an opportunity to recommit to responsible stewardship of the state’s blessings, ensuring that policies, initiatives, and projects reflect integrity, justice and care for all citizens.
In this spirit, Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to inclusive growth that uplifts all communities, both urban and rural, alongside youth and human capital empowerment through education, skills acquisition, mentorship and enterprise.
He further pledged to continue strengthening institutions to promote transparency, accountability and sustainable development while preserving the cultural and moral values that unite the people and guide ethical governance.
The governor noted that faith, when combined with visionary leadership and active citizen engagement, serves as a compass through complexity, uncertainty and opportunity.
In his sermon, the Bishop of Akure Diocese and Archbishop of Ondo and Ekiti Province, Most Reverend Simeon Borokini, called on leaders and citizens alike to uphold integrity, moral values, and discipline as Ondo State celebrates its 50th anniversary.
While acknowledging the contributions of the state’s founding fathers and expressing gratitude for God’s guidance over the years, Borokini noted that the milestone was not only for government but for everyone.
“Leaders must lead with integrity. Leaders must guide with wisdom. Citizens must rise with discipline and innovation,” he said, urging the Church and faith community to pray and speak the truth.
He further charged residents to obey laws, love their state, and ensure that thanksgiving extends beyond mere words. “Let it be gratitude with humility, reflection with repentance, celebration with responsibility,” he added.
Archbishop Borokini prayed for continued divine guidance for the state, recalling God’s leadership over Jerusalem for 50 years and expressed hope that Ondo would experience greater peace, prosperity, development, and innovation in the years ahead.
The service was attended by Ondo State First Lady, Mrs Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa; Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Speaker of the Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip; former Deputy Governors, Lasisi Oluboyo, Omolade Olateru; State Chairman of the APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin; members of the State Executive Council; lawmakers of the Ondo State House of Assembly; APC chieftains; political appointees; traditional rulers; head of security agencies and other eminent personalities.
Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan,
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of Ondo State.
February 1, 2026.