By Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
Ogun State’s transformation into one of Nigeria’s leading industrial, educational and investment destinations came under international spotlight in London as the immediate past Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Olufemi Onasanya, presented a compelling account of the state’s developmental journey and future prospects at the Ogun State @50 London Summit and Jubilee Awards.
Former Head of Service Highlights Public Service Excellence, Investment Opportunities and Vision for Ogun's Next 50 Years at Diaspora Summit
Speaking on the theme, “Institutional Memory of Ogun Public Service at 50,” Onasanya used the gathering of diaspora stakeholders, investors, professionals and government representatives to showcase the enduring legacy of Ogun’s public service and the ambitious development agenda being driven by Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration.
Describing the event as more than a celebration of the state’s golden jubilee, the retired Head of Service said it provided an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of the state’s founding fathers while charting a path for future growth.
“Today, we are not merely gathered to celebrate a milestone; we are assembled to honour a legacy, reflect on a journey of courage and conviction, and ignite a renewed vision for the generations yet unborn,” Onasanya declared.
Tracing Ogun State’s history from its creation in 1976, he noted that the state emerged from humble beginnings, overcoming infrastructural and administrative challenges through the commitment of visionary leaders and a resilient civil service.
According to him, the public service became the backbone of governance and development, providing continuity, stability and institutional guidance through successive administrations.
“What sustained Ogun State through those formative years was the strength of its people and the commitment of its public service. The civil service became the engine room of governance, providing continuity, stability and institutional guidance while laying the foundation for the excellence that has become synonymous with Ogun State,” he said.
Onasanya paid glowing tribute to notable public service pioneers, including the late Chief Simeon Adebo, Pa Odumosu, Chief A.A.K. Degun, Chief Victor Abayomi Oduntan and Chief Timothy Atanda Taiwo, among others, describing them as architects of the professional culture that continues to define the Ogun State Civil Service.
He said their efforts created a structure that has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most respected public service institutions.
The former Head of Service devoted a significant portion of his address to the achievements of Governor Dapo Abiodun’s administration, describing the current era as a defining phase in Ogun State’s developmental history.
He highlighted landmark projects including the Gateway International Airport, the proposed Deep Seaport, the Inland Dry Port, road infrastructure expansion, housing schemes, urban renewal programmes and investment-friendly reforms.
“Under the present administration of His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, Ogun State has witnessed remarkable progress across multiple sectors. These projects are not merely infrastructure; they are strategic assets designed to position Ogun State as a global investment destination,” he stated.
Onasanya noted that the operational Gateway International Airport represents a major leap in the state’s economic aspirations.
“The airport is not just a transportation facility. It is a gateway to global connectivity, investment opportunities and economic expansion,” he added.
The retired Head of Service also cited the recent decision by Pure Dairy Herds to establish a $250 million dairy project in Ogun West as evidence of growing investor confidence in the state.
According to him, investors continue to identify Ogun’s strategic location, infrastructure development and supportive government policies as major attractions.
He further disclosed that the state government has successfully reduced bureaucratic bottlenecks and improved service delivery through public sector reforms and technology-driven governance.
“The era of red tape and bureaucratic bottlenecks is fast fading. The current progress is driven by a renewed culture of discipline, accountability and performance within the public service,” he said.
Onasanya explained that Ogun’s public service is increasingly embracing digital transformation, artificial intelligence and data-driven governance models aimed at improving transparency, efficiency and policy implementation.
He said extensive training programmes and exposure to major development projects have created a more innovative and forward-looking workforce.
“The public service of the future must leverage technology, big data and artificial intelligence to design policies, anticipate societal needs and deliver services with speed, transparency and precision,” he stated.
Projecting his vision for the next 50 years, Onasanya said Ogun State must position itself as a globally recognised sub-national economy built on industrialisation, innovation, technology, education and sustainable development.
“The Ogun State of the next fifty years should aspire to be an African model of industrial excellence, innovation and human capital development,” he said.
Addressing members of the diaspora, he urged them to take advantage of the vast opportunities available in housing, agriculture, manufacturing, technology and infrastructure development.
“This is the time to come home—not just physically, but economically and intellectually. Your skills, resources and networks are invaluable assets in the next phase of Ogun State’s development,” he said.
Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Alhaji Aminu Dalhatu, commended the organisers for creating a platform that would encourage greater diaspora participation in Ogun State’s development.
Earlier, President of the Central Association of Ogun State Indigenes in the United Kingdom, Chief Mrs. Jumoke Ariyo, said the summit was organised to celebrate Ogun State’s 50-year journey, honour its founding fathers and stimulate conversations around future investment opportunities and development strategies.
The event attracted Ogun indigenes, business leaders, professionals, investors and development stakeholders from across the United Kingdom and Europe, reinforcing growing international interest in the state’s economic and developmental trajectory.
The Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mallam Aminu Dalhatu, the President, Central Association of Ogun State Indigenes in United Kingdom, Chief ( Mrs) Jumoke Ariyo and the former Head of Service of Ogun State, Mr Kehinde Onasanya
In recognition of his contributions to public administration and institutional development in Ogun State, Onasanya was honoured with the Public Service Excellence Award by the Central Association of Ogun State Indigenes in the United Kingdom.
The organisers said the recognition was in acknowledgement of his decades of service to the state, his role in strengthening the Ogun State Public Service and his contributions to preserving institutional memory within government.
Responding to the honour, the former Head of Service expressed appreciation to the association, dedicating the recognition to generations of public servants whose commitment, professionalism and sacrifices contributed to the growth of Ogun State over the past five decades.
As discussions ended in London, the message from the summit was clear: Ogun State’s golden jubilee is not merely a celebration of past achievements, but a statement of ambition for an even more prosperous future driven by strong institutions, visionary leadership and strategic investment.
