Nigeria, Feb. 13 -- Like other States created in 1976 by the military fiat of then Head of State, General Murtala Muhammed, Ondo State clocked 50 on 3rd February, 2026. Perhaps in tune with the times, as it should be, the drums were only partially rolled out, with 'modest' celebrations across the states that one might have missed such a momentous occasion.

It was quite surreal to witness one of the events organised by the Ondo State Government in commemoration of the occasion. A public lecture that brought together some members of the power elite and the intelligentsia to reminisce on the journey, interrogate today and dream of the future, it was as much a reminder and a prompter.

It was quite a surprising reminder that it's already 50 ...