Governor Aiyedatiwa Declares Two-Day Public Holiday for Golden Jubilee Celebrations
The “Sunshine State” is basking in the glow of a historic milestone. In a move to ensure every citizen can participate in the landmark 50th-anniversary celebrations, the Executive Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has officially declared Monday, February 2, and Tuesday, February 3, 2026, as public holidays across the state.
This declaration marks the height of the state’s Golden Jubilee, commemorating five decades of resilience, cultural heritage, and developmental progress since its creation on February 3, 1976.
A Landmark Celebration: Why the Holidays Matter
Ondo State was carved out of the defunct Western State during the military regime of General Murtala Muhammed. Fifty years later, the state has evolved into a hub of agriculture, education, and emerging industrialization.
According to a statement released by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the two-day work-free period is designed to provide residents, civil servants, and students the opportunity to engage fully in the series of commemorative events lined up. Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that this is not just a time for rest, but a solemn period for reflection on the journey of the founding fathers and a renewal of the collective commitment to a prosperous future.
Highlights of the Ondo @ 50 Anniversary Calendar
The 50th-anniversary celebrations are structured to blend intellectual discourse with vibrant cultural displays. Key events include:
- The Anniversary Lecture: Scheduled for Monday, February 2, at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome) in Akure. The lecture, themed “Ondo State: Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow,” will be delivered by the renowned Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee.
- Honouring Heroes Past: The state government has announced plans to posthumously honour Gen. Murtala Muhammed and other legends such as Chief Michael Adekunle Ajasin and Pa Reuben Fasoranti for their roles in the state’s birth and growth.
- State Carnival and Broadcast: On the D-day, Tuesday, February 3, Governor Aiyedatiwa will deliver a state broadcast to the people. This will be followed by a massive carnival at the Ondo State Sports Stadium, showcasing the rich cultural tapestry of the 18 Local Government Areas.
- Gala and Award Night: The festivities will culminate in a grand gala where distinguished indigenes who have made the state proud globally will be recognized.
Ensuring Continuity of Essential Services
While the holidays are total for the public sector, the Governor has directed that essential service providers—including hospitals, fire services, and security agencies—must maintain skeletal operations. This ensures that while the state celebrates, the safety and health of the people remain paramount.
Economic and Social Impact of the Golden Jubilee
The declaration of the public holiday is expected to boost local tourism and hospitality. With indigenes returning from across Nigeria and the diaspora, the “Ondo at 50” celebrations serve as a powerful homecoming event. It provides a platform for the Aiyedatiwa administration to showcase its “Our Ease” developmental agenda and attract potential investors to the state’s vast natural resources.
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