A financial expert and ormer Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Dr Tunde Lemo gave the advice in his 2006 goodwill message to the people of Ogun State.

He also notes in the message that though the year 2025 was a demanding period for many families and businesses, there are encouraging signs that stability is gradually returning to the economy.

He however called on government to be more proactive in the area of security while urging the people to also be vigilant and play their part in the development of the state.

“As we prepare to mark the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ogun State this February, this is a fitting moment to reflect on our journey and consider the path ahead,” Lemo said.

The statement reads in full:

2026 GOODWILL MESSAGE TO THE LOVING PEOPLE OF OGUN STATE

Dear Compatriots,

I warmly congratulate every one of us for being preserved to witness the new year 2026. We give thanks to God Almighty for His grace, mercy, and guidance over our dear State and its loving people.

As we reflect on the year 2025, we must acknowledge that it was a demanding period for many families and businesses. Economic conditions were difficult, and the effects were widely felt. However, there are encouraging signs that stability is gradually returning.

The economic reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, supported by the monetary policies of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), are beginning to restore confidence. Inflation is trending downward, and exchange rates have stabilized. While the cost of living remains high and concerns about the new tax policy are understandable, it is important to reassure our people that this policy is intended to ease the burden on low-income earners, while ensuring that those who are better positioned contribute fairly to national and state development.

The security of lives and property remains a matter of concern. Despite the efforts of our security agencies and regional initiatives such as the South-West–funded Amotekun Corps, challenges persist. Nonetheless, we are encouraged by new counter-terrorism measures that are already yielding results. We give thanks to God that a potentially serious security threat in Ogun State was successfully prevented through the timely intervention of security agencies operating around the Ogun–Lagos axis.

As we prepare to mark the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ogun State this February, this is a fitting moment to reflect on our journey and consider the path ahead. Ogun State is steadily positioning itself as a major economic corridor in the South-West.

While we honour the contributions of those who led before us, the responsibility before us now is to accelerate development in ways that directly improve the wellbeing of our people.

Our state is richly endowed. Ogun State is home to 22 universities, the highest concentration in Nigeria, one of the fastest-growing industrial clusters in Africa, and abundant natural resources including limestone and bitumen. These blessings must be managed with wisdom and entrusted to capable, competent, and experienced hands. We must rise above patronage and narrow interests, for the future of our State demands high standards of leadership and service.

Distinguished Citizens, the task of building a stronger and more prosperous Ogun State belongs to all of us. Government alone cannot do it. Each citizen has a role to play. Let us remain united in spirit and purpose, irrespective of our differences. With patience, commitment, and the grace of God, we shall surely move our State forward.

I wish you all a peaceful, healthy, and prosperous year 2026.

LONG LIVE OGUN STATE!
LONG LIVE THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA!
‘Tunde Lemo, OFR, FCA, FCIB

About Dr Tunde Lemo

Dr. Tunde Lemo is the Chairman of Titan Trust Bank amongst many other boards that he sits on.

His extensive experience includes Managing Director of Wema Bank PLC where he demonstrated his strategic leadership skills. Additionally, he held a notable tenure as Deputy Governor of the Operations Directorate; Financial Systems Surveillance at the Central Bank of Nigeria, where he played a crucial role in shaping the country’s financial stability and regulatory frameworks.

He is a Fellow of the Society for Corporate Governance Nigeria, Fellow of the institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria as well as Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers. In 2011, Dr. Tunde Lemo was awarded with the prestigious National honour of the Officer of the Federal Republic (OFR).