May 08, (THEWILL) – Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has urged Nigerians especially the people of the state to obtain their voter cards, in order to exercise their civic rights in the 2023 general elections.
Abiodun stated that it had become imperative for eligible Nigerians to get their voter cards in order not to be disenfranchised.
He spoke at the Thanksgiving Service for the Third Session of the Fourth Synod and Investiture of Diocesan Distinguished Fellows and Royal Fellows, held at the St. Barnabas Anglican Church, Okun-Owa Ijebu, Odogbolu Local Government Area of the state.
The governor, who expressed worry over the challenges facing the nation, decried the prevalent social vices in the country, especially the situation where children in primary schools are now involved in cultism, calling on parents and guardians to take care of their wards
He said, “The Bible says when the righteous rule, the people rejoice. Let us get our Voter Cards, so that we can exercise our civic rights and vote credible people into government. Let us stop complaining about the situation of things in the country. The people get the government they desire.
“Nigeria, no doubt, is facing a lot of challenges. Cultism has become the order of the day. Kidnapping has become the fastest way to making money. Our youths no longer want to work, but I believe that with faith and hope in Christ, we will overcome our challenges.
“As parents, we need to do our bits by guiding them into the right way. Let us ask questions when necessary and ensure that our children, who are our future, are led rightly”, he added.
Abiodun, therefore, charged the people to join hands with the government in building the nation, urging them to have hope and faith in God because challenges are not insurmountable.
Speaking on the theme of the Synod titled, ‘Lift up your Eyes’, the Bishop of Irele/Ese-Odo Diocese, Ondo State, Rt. Rev. Joshua Oyinlola, urged Nigerians not to sell their votes, but vote according to their conscience, declaring selling their votes amount to mortgaging their children’s future.
The clergyman said it was time for the leaders to pay attention to the hardship being experienced by the citizens, charging Christians not to be blindfolded by the country’s challenges and lose sight of God’s glory.
The Diocesan Bishop, Ijebu South-West, Rt. Rev. Babatunde Ogunbanwo, in his remarks, lauded the state government for empowering the youths, saying “we do not need youth who are thugs, but useful youth who will be useful to themselves and the society.”
