ABEOKUTA – As the sun rises on the 50th Anniversary of the creation of Ogun State, the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, joins millions of citizens at home and in the diaspora to celebrate the golden jubilee of the "Gateway State." Since its inception in 1976, Ogun has stood as a beacon of intellectualism, industrialization, and political consciousness—a journey the media has not only witnessed but actively shaped.

On this historic occasion, we must first pay glowing tribute to the founding fathers of our dear state. We stand on the broad shoulders of visionaries who, in 1976, saw the potential for a sub-national entity that would bridge the gap between tradition and modernity. 

Their courage in laying the administrative and social foundations of Ogun State provided the blueprint for the prosperity we harvest today across our three senatorial districts.

The story of Ogun State is inseparable from the history of Nigerian journalism. We draw inspiration from the pioneers of the pen who hailed from this soil—icons who understood that a free press is the heartbeat of a functional society. 

From the early days of statehood, journalists in Ogun have served as the bridge between the government and the governed, ensuring that the dreams of 1976 were translated into actionable policies through consistent reportage and constructive critique.

We must also extend our sincere commendations to the various leaderships that have steered this ship, from the early Military Administrators to successive Civilian Governors. Specifically, we acknowledge the current administration for its commitment to the "Building Our Future Together" agenda. 

The visible strides in infrastructure, the revitalization of the industrial sector, and the maintenance of Ogun’s status as the industrial hub of Nigeria are pointers to a leadership focused on sustainable legacies.

To our gallant members, the professional journalists of the Ogun State Council: this celebration belongs to you as much as anyone else. We congratulate you for a job well done. 

Through the decades, you have worked under sun and rain, through periods of political transition and social change, to tell the Ogun story with integrity. Your contributions have ensured that our state remains a reference point for peace and development in the Nigerian federation.

As we look at the state of our union and our province, we boldly assert that "it is not all bad." 

While challenges persist—as they do in any growing democracy—we have more reasons to celebrate than to despair. We have evolved from a collection of provincial towns into a sprawling industrial corridor. 

The progress may not always be at the pace we desire, but the trajectory is undeniably upward, and the spirit of the "Ogun Man" remains resilient.

However, as we march toward the next fifty years, we must chart a clear way forward. We are currently approaching another critical electioneering period, and this is the time for heightened patriotism. 

We call on the political class to remember that the state is greater than any individual ambition. The media will remain vigilant, ensuring that the discourse remains focused on development, accountability, and the welfare of the common man.

For Ogun to move "so fast" to its desired destination, all hands must be on deck. We must transition from a state that is a "Gateway" by nomenclature to a state that is a "Gateway" by world-class functionality. 

This means prioritizing the digital economy, fixing rural infrastructure to support our farmers, and ensuring that the ease of doing business translates to the ease of living for every resident from Ota to Imeko, and from Ijebu-Ode to Ipokia.

The NUJ remains committed to this vision. We will continue to use our platforms to hold leadership accountable while highlighting the immense opportunities that abound in our state. We believe that with the right synergy between the government, the private sector, and the Fourth Estate of the Realm, the next fifty years will witness an Ogun State that is not just a gateway to Nigeria, but a gateway to the African continent.

Congratulations once again to the Government and the good people of Ogun State. May the labor of our heroes past, and the efforts of our current leaders, continue to yield a harvest of peace and plenty for all. 

Happy 50th Anniversary!

E-SIGNED:

COMRADE WALE OLANREWAJU

Chairman, NUJ Ogun State Council

COMRADE BUNMI ADIGUN

Secretary, NUJ Ogun State Council