Photo: Executive Chairman, Ogun Waterside Local Government, Hon.Ganiu Odunoiki in group Photograph with members of his cabinet during the Ogun @50 state carnival at MKO Stadium Abeokuta
The celebration of Ogun State at 50 was taken to the grassroots as the Executive Chairman of Ogun Waterside Local Government, Hon. Ganiu Odunnoiki, joined His Excellency, Prince (Dr.) Dapo Abiodun, CON, Governor of Ogun State, and citizens across the state to commemorate the golden jubilee amid pomp and fanfare.
The Local Government Secretariat in Abigi was a hub of activities on Friday, February 6, 2026, as residents trooped out in large numbers to identify with the state’s milestone anniversary.
Addressing party leaders, traditional rulers, religious and community leaders, as well as the general public, Hon. Odunnoiki expressed delight over the historic occasion, describing it as significant for both Ogun Waterside Local Government and Ogun State at large.
According to him, the creation of Ogun State on February 3, 1976, from the former Western State led to the merger of the Ijebu Waterside District Council and Osunmayegun District Council into Ijebu East Local Government, with headquarters at Ogbere. He noted that the subsequent creation of Ogun Waterside Local Government on May 15, 1989, has greatly accelerated development and progress in the area.
The council chairman congratulated Governor Abiodun for what he described as surpassing past records, citing the administration’s inclusive governance, economic transformation, and grassroots participation, which he said have resulted in massive development across the state within six and a half years.
Several dignitaries from the council area, including the Ojotumoro of Abigi, HRM Oba Olusegun Ogunye, Asiwaju Dele Odunlana, Hon. Balogun Akeem, former Deputy Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, and Hon. Lawal Shamsideen Adekunle, representing Ogun Waterside Constituency, felicitated the state and its people on the golden jubilee.
They also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving oil well drilling in the local government area and appreciated Governor Abiodun for sustained developmental support to Ogun Waterside.
The high point of the celebration was the distribution of empowerment materials and cash gifts to residents in commemoration of the state’s 50th anniversary.
In a related development, Hon. Odunnoiki joined the state government, fellow council chairmen, and other stakeholders at the culinary exhibition held at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, Abeokuta, as part of the anniversary celebration. The exhibition provided an avenue for all local governments to showcase their economic potential and prospects.
Ogun Waterside Local Government seized the opportunity to display local products including Garri Ijebu, assorted fish, bananas, palm oil, and coconuts, all of which were sold out to eager buyers.
Reaffirming his support for the state leadership, the council chairman praised Governor Abiodun’s landmark projects, including the Gateway International Airport, Iperu, the approved Deep Sea Port at Olokola, and the oil drilling project at Eba community in Ogun waterside Local Government, which has positioned Ogun State as an oil-producing state.
He described the governor as “God-sent” and prayed for continued peace, unity, progress, and prosperity for Ogun State.
Ogun State, alongside Oyo and Ondo States, was created on February 3, 1976, and has since witnessed remarkable socio-economic growth across its length and breadth.
The event was well attended by the Vice Chairman, Alhaja Ogunlana Olabode, who also chaired the planning committee; the Leader of the House, Hon. Ajayi Felix, councillors, Secretary to the Local Government, Alhaji Okuwoga Nojeemdeen Adeyinka, party leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, market men and women, union leaders, career officers, students, and members of the press.
