HOW VISION AND SACRIFICE MADE ONDO AN OIL-PRODUCING STATE – CHIEF WOLE OLANIPEKUN

HOW VISION AND SACRIFICE MADE ONDO AN OIL-PRODUCING STATE – CHIEF WOLE OLANIPEKUN


An erstwhile Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Ondo State, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, has attributed the state’s emergence as an oil-producing region to visionary leadership, strategic sacrifices, and collaborative governance, warning that ignoring the counsel of elders and lessons from history could undermine future development.

Olanipekun spoke on Monday at the International Centre for Culture and Events (The Dome), Akure, during the public lecture themed “Ondo State: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.” He recounted the strategic steps that positioned Ondo alongside Abia and Imo states as Nigeria’s oil-producing states in the 1990s.

Reflecting on his tenure under Governor Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua, Olanipekun emphasised that the achievements were not accidental but the product of deliberate planning, foresight, and adherence to sound governance principles.

“Leadership requires humility, the willingness to listen, and adherence to truth. Ignoring advice born of experience is dangerous for any society,” he said.

Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, while declaring the lecture open, outlined a bold vision for Ondo’s next fifty years, centred on industrialisation, innovation, and youth-driven growth. Highlighting the state’s transformation from an agrarian economy to a hub for enterprise, he cited key projects such as the Sunshine Free Trade Zone, Golden Ceramics Industrial Plant, Ore Ethanol Plant, and the Ondo Deep Sea Port as critical drivers of industrial processing, value addition, and export-oriented growth.

“The fifty-year milestone challenges us to shape the next era with wisdom, courage, and innovation,” he said, noting the importance of tourism, culture, infrastructure, and youth empowerment in fostering sustainable development.

In her keynote address, Mrs Olu Verheijen, Special Adviser to the President on Energy, lauded ordinary citizens, civil servants, artisans, and entrepreneurs for building the state. She highlighted strategic projects including gas infrastructure, revival of the Odigbo power plants, modular LNG initiatives, and road expansions in Akure, noting their potential to create jobs, generate revenue, and enhance dignity for residents.

Prof Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, praised Ondo’s founding fathers for fostering education and opportunity. He announced a Golden Jubilee scholarship of N500,000 for the best graduating student in every public secondary school in the state.



Prof Oyedele further highlighted Ondo’s fertile soils, 180-kilometre coastline, Idanre Hills, and vast bitumen reserves—the second largest globally—emphasising that industrialisation, infrastructure, and cultural tourism are reshaping the economy. He called for unity across political, religious, and generational divides to achieve the state’s aspirations.

Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, Secretary to the State Government, described the celebrations as nostalgic and deeply emotional, noting that eminent citizens, including octogenarians and nonagenarians, would be honoured.

The event was attended by Ondo State First Lady Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, Deputy Governor Dr Olayide Adelami and his wife, Chief Judge Justice Olusegun Odusola, Speaker Rt Hon Olamide Oladiji, former Governor Dr Olusegun Mimiko, traditional rulers, APC chieftains, security heads, and other eminent personalities.

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