By Hon. Abiola Makinde (MHR), Ondo Federal Constituency
February 3 is annually commemorated as the anniversary of the creation of Ondo State, one of the seven additional states carved out of the former twelve states of Nigeria by the late Major General Murtala Ramat Mohammed, led military administration in 1976.
The creation of Ondo State was largely informed by its economic viability at the time. The state was a major contributor to national revenue through cocoa and palm oil production. Under the then Sole Administrator, Group Captain David Jemibewon Ekpe, Ondo State attained recognition as the highest producer of cocoa in West Africa, positioning it as a strategic economic hub in the country.
The first elected civilian governor of Ondo State, Chief Michael Bamidele Ajasin, laid a strong foundation for governance with particular emphasis on education. His administration introduced free education at the primary and secondary levels, expanded teacher recruitment, and established Teachers’ Training Schools. These initiatives significantly improved literacy levels and earned Ondo State a reputation as one of the most educated states in Nigeria prior to the creation of Ekiti State.
While the military era in Nigeria is often viewed as a period of political disruption, Ondo State recorded notable developmental strides during this time. Military administrators including Commodore Bamidele Otiko, Ekundayo, Mike Akhigbe, Tore, among others, governed the state at different periods. Their administrations contributed to improvements in education and healthcare infrastructure, before the late Chief Bamidele Olumilua briefly served as civilian governor.
Greater continuity in development emerged with the return to democratic governance in 1999. Over the past twenty-seven years, successive administrations under Chief Adebayo Adefarati, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, the late Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, and the incumbent Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, have overseen the affairs of the state.
During this period, the state witnessed expansion in employment opportunities, infrastructure development, healthcare delivery, education, social welfare, and security initiatives. Notable among these was the establishment of the Amotekun security outfit under the Akeredolu administration, which has since become a regional security framework across the South-West. The current administration has continued with reforms and consolidation of development efforts across the state.
Beyond the executive arm, legislative contributions have also played a role in the state’s development. The Member representing Ondo East/West Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Abiola Makinde, has implemented various constituency intervention projects focused on community and human capital development.
These interventions include the construction and renovation of schools, health centres, market facilities, empowerment programmes for agriculture and small-scale businesses, support for entrepreneurship, educational scholarships, and initiatives aimed at technological advancement.
Under the Constituency Intervention Scheme, Hon. Makinde also facilitated the renovation of the Ondo West Stadium, restoring the facility for sporting activities and community use, with particular benefits for youth engagement and sports development within the constituency.
As Ondo State marks its 50th anniversary, the milestone provides an opportunity for reflection on the contributions of successive administrations and public office holders to the growth and development of the state, as well as the challenges and prospects ahead.
Ondo State at 50 remains a story of resilience, evolving governance, and collective responsibility toward sustainable development.