At the 65th Independence anniversary celebration in Abeokuta, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, painted a picture of Nigeria as a ship navigating through turbulent waters, insisting that every citizen must paddle with the crew if the vessel is to reach the shores of greatness.
He described the journey of nationhood as an unfinished symphony, stressing that “to build a stronger Nigeria is not the sole responsibility of government but a collective duty, one that every Nigerian at home and abroad must rise to.” For him, the theme of the celebration, All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation, is not just a slogan but a timeless reminder that a nation is only as strong as the sum of its people’s hands, hearts, and hopes.
The governor likened Nigeria’s present season to a rebirth, noting that President Bola Tinubu has taken courageous steps long avoided by past leaders. These economic reforms, he explained, are not just temporary measures but a blueprint designed to respond to the 21st-century realities of governance and development. Abiodun added that Ogun State remains a proud contributor to the Nigerian project, its story inseparable from the nation’s struggles and triumphs.
Looking inward, he said his administration has deliberately moved from “plans to action,” proving that governance is not about “political promises or empty PowerPoint projects” but about bricks of transformation laid one by one, forming structures of lasting impact.
The governor described the anniversary as more than a date in history. It is, in his words, “a reaffirmation of our collective resolve to choose freedom, unity and shared prosperity envisioned by our founding fathers.” For him, democracy is the anchor of national building—the compass that keeps the nation steady in stormy seas, empowering citizens, ensuring accountability, and sustaining unity.
The ceremony drew goodwill from other leaders. Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, urged Nigerians to “stop complaining and start doing the right thing,” likening growth to a seed watered by right actions. Chief Judge, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu, said Nigeria is “on the verge of overcoming its challenges” and called for prayers. Former Military Governor, Maj.-Gen. Seidu Balogun (rtd), recalled how small beginnings paved the way for Ogun’s industrial growth. The Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, admonished Nigerians to plant prayers, not curses, while the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, declared that greatness will come if citizens work together and speak positively about the nation.
For Ogun, the anniversary was also a mirror of progress. Under Governor Abiodun, the state has been repositioned through deliberate action, infrastructural renewal, and inclusive policies. In him, Ogun has found a leader who matches vision with courage, and words with deeds.
At sixty-five, Nigeria is still on her journey. But in Ogun, a model of purposeful leadership is already unfolding—a reminder that when government delivers and citizens support, the ship of state can indeed sail into calmer waters and a brighter tomorrow.
Tayo Mabeweje
Senior Special Assistant (Media)
Office of the Governor
Ogun State
