Manny Ita
The Ogun State Government has declared Tuesday, February 3, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the state’s creation. Governor Dapo Abiodun is hosting a series of landmark events to celebrate the Golden Jubilee, drawing a high-profile assembly of dignitaries to the state capital, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo and other prominent national leaders. The festivities serve as a formal recognition of the state’s evolution since its establishment in 1976, highlighting its transition from a predominantly agrarian society to a leading industrial hub in the West African sub-region.
During the commemorative proceedings, Governor Abiodun addressed the state’s fiscal trajectory, noting that the economy has expanded significantly to an estimated “₦17 trillion,” a figure that officially positions Ogun State as the second-largest economy in Nigeria, following only Lagos State. The Governor attributed this growth to sustained infrastructure investment and a strategic focus on ease of doing business, which has attracted a high concentration of manufacturing concerns to the region. He emphasized that the milestone was not merely a celebration of age but a testament to the “resilience and industrious spirit” of the Ogun people.
The public holiday has seen a total suspension of official administrative and academic activities across the state’s twenty local government areas to allow citizens to participate in the anniversary rallies and cultural exhibitions. Security agencies have been deployed to strategic locations to ensure the safety of the visiting delegations and the general public during the high-capacity gatherings. State officials have indicated that the anniversary program will continue throughout the week, featuring the commissioning of several legacy projects intended to further solidify the state’s economic standing and improve the quality of life for its residents.
