A Commemorative Reflection on Our Historical Legacy, Collective Identity and Shared Destiny
Thursday, October 1, 2026
As Ekiti State celebrates 30 years of its creation and Nigeria marks 66 years of Independence, I warmly felicitate with the good people of Ekiti State and Nigerians at home and across the world on these significant milestones.
October 1 remains a deeply historic date in our national and state journey.
On October 1, 1960, Nigeria attained Independence, opening a new chapter in the history of our nation and giving expression to the aspirations of generations of Nigerians who believed in the possibility of a free and sovereign country.
Sixty-six years later, we remember with profound gratitude the nationalists, patriots and countless Nigerians whose courage, sacrifices and determination contributed to the birth of our nation. Their efforts remind us that Nigeria has always been a product of collective dreams, sacrifice and hope.
EKITI AT 30: REMEMBERING THE JOURNEY
On that same historic date in 1996, Ekiti State was created, fulfilling a long-standing aspiration of our people for an identity and a platform from which Ekiti could pursue its own development and contribute more meaningfully to the Nigerian project.
At 30, we must pause to remember and honour the men and women whose commitment, courage and perseverance helped make that dream a reality.
We acknowledge the traditional rulers, community leaders, political leaders, professionals, intellectuals, civil servants, teachers, farmers, market women, artisans, students and ordinary citizens who, in different ways, contributed to the struggle for the creation of Ekiti State.
We particularly remember and honour distinguished Ekiti sons and leaders whose names remain part of this important history, including Pa Ojo Falegan, Pa Deji Fasuan, Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, the late Senator Bode Olowoporoku, and Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe Aladesanmi III, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, alongside the many other heroes, traditional rulers and community leaders whose contributions strengthened the movement.
Their sacrifices remind us that the achievements we celebrate today were built on the courage and determination of those who came before us.
ONE PEOPLE, ONE SHARED DESTINY
As we commemorate these two important anniversaries, our celebration must also be a renewal of our commitment to the values that bind us together.
Ekiti is an integral part of Nigeria, and our progress as a people is inseparable from the progress of our nation.
Whatever our differences in language, culture, religion, political belief or place of origin, we remain one people with a shared destiny and one country we call home.
Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity, but its future depends on our ability to transform that diversity into unity, understanding and collective progress.
We must continue to choose peace over division, dialogue over discord, and development over conflict.
We must create a society where every citizen has the opportunity to contribute; where our young people can dream, learn and build meaningful lives; and where future generations can inherit a nation that is stronger, more peaceful and more prosperous than the one we received.
LOOKING AHEAD
For Ekiti, our 30th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate our heritage, preserve our values and look confidently towards the future.
For Nigeria, our 66th Independence anniversary is a reminder of how far we have travelled and of the greater work that remains before us.
In both celebrations, the message is the same:
We owe it to those who came before us, and to those yet unborn, to continue building.
May the labours and sacrifices of our national heroes and the heroes of the Ekiti State creation struggle never be in vain.
May their vision continue to inspire us to serve our communities, protect our unity and work together for the common good.
I celebrate every Ekiti son and daughter and every Nigerian on this memorable occasion.
May Ekiti State continue to prosper as the Land of Honour, and may Nigeria continue to grow in peace, unity and prosperity.
Happy 30th Anniversary to Ekiti State.
Happy 66th Independence Anniversary to Nigeria.
ONE EKITI. ONE NIGERIA. ONE DESTINY.
With love and respect,
ADESINA LAWAL
KING DASILVA
Politician • Philanthropist • Community Leader
