…Faith, discipline, vision must guide Ondo’s next 50 years, says Bishop Borokini

By: Bola Ojuola, Akure.

Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has declared Today, Monday, 2nd February, and tomorrow, Tuesday, 3rd February, 2026, as public holidays across the state to enable residents to fully participate in activities lined up to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the creation of Ondo State.

According to a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan, the celebration is a historic milestone that marks five decades of growth, resilience, and collective progress.

“The Governor urges citizens to use the opportunity of the holidays to join in the celebrations, reflect on the State’s journey so far, and recommit themselves to the shared vision of building a more prosperous and united Ondo State.

“Essential service providers are, however, advised to make adequate arrangements to ensure
uninterrupted services during the period”, the statement said.

Also yesterday, the state held a golden jubilee Church Thanksgiving service where the Governor anchor State’s future on faith, justice, and ethical leadership.

Aiyedatiwa 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.

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 the 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 withresponsibility,” 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.