In an atmosphere charged with gratitude, celebration, and hope, dignitaries from across Nigeria and beyond gathered at the historic Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta, to mark a triple-fold occasion—Governor Dapo Abiodun’s 65th birthday, six impactful years of governance, and the grand finale of the National Sports Festival hosted by Ogun State.
Gracing the occasion were the cream of Nigeria’s political, traditional, and diplomatic leadership: cabinet members of the Ogun State Government, National and State Assembly members, ALGON representatives, respected market leaders, past officeholders, royal fathers, and community champions.
Their convergence was not just ceremonial; it was a resounding testament to the respect and recognition Governor Abiodun commands in national and regional governance.
On behalf of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Bola Tinubu, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, delivered a moving presidential tribute, describing Governor Abiodun as a transformative leader whose tenure is marked by developmental precision in infrastructure, education, youth empowerment, food security, and investment facilitation.
“Your leadership over the past six years has transformed the entirety of Ogun State into a model of progress marked by notable advancements in infrastructure, social welfare, education, youth empowerment, agriculture, and food security.
“Through transparent and inclusive governance, you have fostered innovation, stability, and sustainable development, reflected in Ogun State’s rising profile as a leading destination for investment and a state with steadily growing Internally Generated Revenue.
“I commend your unwavering commitment to public service and to the advancement of our great nation; your leadership remains a pillar of strength in our collective pursuit of national renewal and prosperity,” President Tinubu said.
The President commended Governor Abiodun’s commitment to transparent, inclusive governance and his role as Chairman of the Southern Governors’ Forum, saluting his efforts in promoting regional unity and innovation.
Also, Akpabio, in his message, commended Abiodun for his developmental strides, stating that the governor has been able to translate his vision into reality.
“I was a bit scared when I landed today at the airport because I thought I would remain in history as the best-ever governor Nigeria has produced, but seeing what is happening here, it looks like people are trying to beat my record.
“But I think it is good; the competition is good. I thought I was an uncommon governor, but I have come to see an uncommon state.
“We thank you for the support you have given to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and we thank you for mobilizing all the governors of Southern Nigeria to line up behind the President”, he said.
In his goodwill message, former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, commended the governor for his developmental strides, describing the governor’s 65th birthday as a day of joy.
The former president specifically commended the governor for hosting a befitting National Sports Festival, describing it as a huge success.
“To our Governor, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, once again, I offer my deepest personal appreciation. Your leadership commitment and unwavering dedication have delivered not just a festival but also a legacy.
“You have shown the world the strength, capacity, and hospitality of Ogun State. This was a world-class event, and you have raised the standard for all to follow in the future.
“You have not only organized a festival, but you have also provided us with proud and exciting moments in our national life and laid the foundation for the future,” Chief Obasanjo said.
Former governor of the state, Chief Olusegun Osoba, acknowledged the infrastructural development the state has witnessed in the last six years as tremendous, noting that the governor has been able to fix major roads and provide other essentials to the people of the state.
A moment of deep reflection came with the heartfelt tribute of Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, who extolled the governor’s style of leadership as both visionary and compassionate. His words echoed the thoughts of millions:
“As the sun rises on this momentous 29th day of May—a date symbolic of democracy and renewal—I join the people of Ogun State in celebrating a man whose leadership is etched in resilience, purpose, and humility.”
Ambassador Isola, a diplomat renowned for his statesmanship and service to Nigeria, further observed: “You have not just governed, Your Excellency; you have inspired. You have led with calm resolve, fortified by divine guidance. You have balanced heritage with innovation, and your imprint on Ogun State is unmistakably progressive. May your years ahead be crowned with divine grace, strategic clarity, and national legacy.”
Traditional rulers also echoed the chorus of commendation. The Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, offered royal blessings and lauded the governor’s enduring touch on the lives of the people.
The Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, extolled Abiodun’s humility and people-focused governance, while the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, hailed the administration’s support for traditional institutions.
The Deputy Governor, Engr. (Mrs.) Noimot Salako-Oyedele, noted that the governor, as a transformational leader, has lifted the state beyond all expectations, as he has consistently delivered on his promises.
She said: “I have been working hand in hand with him for the last six years, and I have seen his dedication, his commitment, and his passion—how he puts his body and soul into everything that he does. We thank God that we are seeing good results from the very hard work.
“His Excellency is dedicated, he is committed, he is passionate about anything he does, and if he sets his mind to something, he gives it 100%. I wish His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, the Governor of Ogun State, a very happy 65th birthday.”
Also speaking, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, noted that Governor Abiodun, in the last six years, has put in place measures that have led to the economy growing in leaps and bounds, as well as building confidence, which has brought about unity among people of different tribes, classes, and religions.
Prince Abiodun, the SSG observed, has been consistent in his development plans, saying that the provision of infrastructure and a conducive business environment has placed the state as a force to be reckoned with in the comity of states in the country.
“Prince Abiodun values lives and people’s progress. The level of acrimony and rancor has gone down during his tenure. Most of the issues we had to deal with when we came in, like people going on strikes and violence all over the place, have gradually normalized, step by step.
“I am proud to say that in Ogun State, there has not been a workers’ strike in the last 18 months. Now everybody knows that Governor Abiodun does not play games with people’s lives, their earnings, and progress,” he stated.
While wishing the governor a happy 65th birthday, Mr. Talabi pledged his unalloyed loyalty and support to enable him to end his tenure on a sound note.
The State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, said the past six years have been remarkable with purposeful and visionary leadership dedicated to the overall well-being of the people.
“A moment of deep reflection came with the heartfelt tribute of Nigeria’s former High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, who extolled the governor’s style of leadership as both visionary and compassionate”
According to the Head of Service, the meticulous planning and sense of dedication as encapsulated in the ISEYA mantra have propelled the state to be the industrial capital of the country, just as the administration has fared well in all sectors of the economy.
He lauded the governor for his worker-friendly posture, saying this has led to increased productivity and more dedication to duties on the part of the workforce.
The Head of Service noted with delight the efforts of the present administration in rejuvenating the civil service through training programmes, prompt payment of salaries and allowances, as well as the release of funds for pensioners’ gratuities.
The Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Oluwatoyin Taiwo, on his part, said the governor has been able to reach across the 20 local government areas in terms of road infrastructure, as the roads are either being reconstructed or the old ones rehabilitated.
“In primary healthcare, the state government has been able to rehabilitate close to 177 facilities and is targeting about 236 across the state. In terms of housing, we’ve been able to do close to 4,000, but our target is to reach 10,000. It is also key for me to mention that in terms of infrastructure, the Gateway International Airport is very key; it is an unprecedented and monumental achievement,” he said.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye, noted that the state has experienced a tremendous positive overhaul in the last six years, emerging as the fastest-growing economy in the country, backed by facts.
The Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Olukayode Akinmade, said Ogun has become the most sought-after state in terms of investment, as it has been able to take advantage of its proximity to Lagos State.
“Since Governor Dapo Abiodun came on board, we have not had issues with thuggery or assassination; Ogun State has never had it so good like this. Everywhere is peaceful, and everyone is going about their duties without molestation or harassment, and you can feel peace and freedom in the air,” he said.
In his address, Abiodun said the day provided him the opportunity to celebrate his 65th birthday, six years in office, and the closing of the National Sports Festival.
“The journey has been one of grace, learning, testing, triumphs, and a constant reminder that we are a vessel in the hands of the Almighty God,” he said.
He recalled as “when everything was cloudy; today, with the help of the Almighty God, I can see the rain is gone. God indeed has used me and my team, despite all odds, in repositioning this great state, and I’m indeed humbled and grateful for how God has turned my dreams into realities.
“He has made my mission possible and my visions into testimonies. He has been so good to me.”
Abiodun used the occasion to rededicate himself to lead with humility, vision, courage, and compassion, calling for continued prayers to enable him to succeed.
In his sermon titled, “If It Has Not Been the Lord,” the Bishop of Egba West Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev’d Samuel Ogundeji urged the governor to always count his blessings and give thanks to God for his successes both in business and politics, saying many have aspired to be in his position but were not favoured.
Taking his text from Psalms 124, verses 1 to 6, the Bishop urged the governor to continue to depend on God for direction and see his position as an opportunity to serve, admonishing him to be careful as life is delicate, beware of friends, and avoid distractions, as God has plans for him.
While emphasising the need for the governor to do a self-appraisal of his stewardship in the last six years so as to know his strengths and weaknesses, the cleric urged him to work harder in the remaining two years, as all eyes are on him.
As the service closed in unity and reverence, one truth became clear: May 29 in Ogun State is no ordinary day. It is a canvas of collective achievement, painted by a leader who listens, leads, and delivers. It is also a mirror reflecting the voices of patriots like Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola, whose dignified presence and eloquent reflections continue to inspire hope for the future of the Nigerian state.