September 28, (THEWILL) — Governor Dapo Abiodun has said the dreams of Nigeria’s founding fathers—a nation where no citizen is oppressed, where opportunities abound for all, and where the wealth of the land is equitably shared—remain realizable if Nigerians uphold patriotism, integrity, service, and shared responsibility.
Abiodun, who spoke on Sunday during an interdenominational church service to mark the country’s 65th Independence anniversary at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta, stressed that freedom must be used to serve, build, and bless others.
Represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the governor urged Nigerians to move beyond despair into a future “bright with possibilities,” adding that the anniversary should rekindle hope and faith that the nation’s best days lie ahead.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for his “visionary leadership” under the Renewed Hope Agenda, Abiodun said recent reforms are attracting investors, stabilising the naira, and laying the foundation for inclusive prosperity.
He added that unity has been the cornerstone of his own administration, which aligns with the President’s people-centred governance vision.
Delivering the sermon titled “A New Nigeria is Possible, the Time is Now,” the Diocesan Bishop of Awori Anglican Diocese, Rev. Johnson Akintomide, likened Nigeria’s current challenges to the captivity of the Israelites in the wilderness.
He said the nation has long battled hardship, hunger, injustice, insecurity, drug abuse, and corruption.
He urged Nigerians not to dwell on the past but to cooperate with God through persistent prayer, raising godly leaders, rejecting corruption, shunning tribalism, and stopping the culture of cursing and condemning government.
Special prayers were also offered for Nigeria, Ogun State, political leaders, as well as traditional and spiritual institutions.
Seun Shotunde, THEWILL
