December 20, (THEWILL) – Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has urged Nigerians to renew their faith in God and hope for a better future, as the challenges confronting the nation are surmountable.
Speaking at the 2023 Christmas Carol and Service of Nine Lessons, which was held at the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Prince Abiodun called on Nigerians not to lose sight of the values that define them as a people, but to continue to love one another.
He said that true measures of success were beyond economic achievements, as it lies in the collective resolve of the people to grow together with a common destiny.
He emphasised the need for all Nigerians to be their brothers’ keepers, noting that unity can only be achieved by supporting and uplifting each other.
The Christmas period, according to the governor, holds significance beyond the celebration and euphoria of Jesus Christ’s birth, as it provides an opportunity for sober reflection and thanksgiving.
He called on Nigerians to show kindness to one another, especially to those who are currently facing challenges.
“This event is beyond the celebration and euphoria of the remembrance of the birth of our messiah; it is a time for sober reflection and thanksgiving. As we celebrate, we must be conscious of those around us who are struggling with one challenge or the other”, he emphasised.
He said his administration in the past four years, has successfully implemented its ISEYA vision without bias, adding that more than 500 kilometres of road have been constructed across the state, building the Aro Cargo Airport, houses, provision of adequate health care facilities, education, among others.
While noting that his government has been fair, just and equitable to all sections of the state in project distribution in keeping with his promise not to develop any part of the state at the expense of others, Governor Abiodun pledged to continue implementing programmes and policies that would have a direct impact on the lives of the people.
In his sermon titled; “Jesus Christ, The Truth”, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, reminded everyone that they were God’s creation and that God has the ability to repair or recreate what He had created
Taking his text from John 8:32, Pastor Adeboye highlighted that God is the ultimate authority, controlling the earth and times, reassuring the congregation that when God opens a door, no one can shut it.
Some dignitaries at the occasion included the wife of the governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, Deputy Governor, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo, former President, Olusegun Obasanjo and his wife, Bola, former governor, Olusegun Osoba, former military administrators; Oladeinde Joseph and Daniel Akintonde, former deputy governors; Salimot Badru, Yetunde Onanuga, Senator Sefiu Kaka, former Nigeria Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Ishola.
Others included Alake of Egbaland Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, among others.
AYO ESAN, has been actively reporting and analyzing political events for different newspapers for over 18 years. He has also successfully covered national and state elections in Nigeria since the inception of this democracy in 1999.
