Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Sunday charged residents of the state and Nigerians in general to keep praying for Oyo State and the country in order to address present challenges.
Governor Makinde stated this during a special thanksgiving service to commemorate Nigeria’s 61st independence anniversary, held at the Cathedral of St Peter, Aremo, Ibadan, adding that despite the myriad of challenges facing the country, all hope is not lost.
According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Taiwo Adisa, Governor Makinde was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun.
He asked residents of the state to continue to support and pray for his administration to succeed in its avowed determination to uplift the state.
He said: “We thank God for the grace to see the 61st year of Nigeria. Many of us were here last year and, by the grace of God, we are here today.
“There is a lot we need to thank God for. He has been merciful unto us and we have received many blessings and grace. We know there are still a lot of things to be done as a country. So, I think as people of God, we should continue to pray for Nigeria, that our good Lord who has started good works with us will be faithful to complete them for us.”
The governor noted that a year ago, security was a big challenge in the state, but that things have got a lot better.
“But, always, if you see something, say something and do something about it. The government is no magician and cannot be everywhere.
“So, anywhere you see something that should not be, please raise the word,” he said.
In his sermon, the provost of the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, Ibadan, Very Revd. Adewale Adebiyi, urged leaders in the country to rule with absolute fear of God.
He enjoined Nigerian leaders to live and lead in accordance with God’s injunctions and to uphold justice and fairness on all issues.
“Nigerians need the support of their leaders now more than ever before, as they are facing a myriad of problems,” he said.
The event had in attendance the Chief of Staff to Governor Makinde, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Alhaja Ololade Agboola; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Abdul Majeed Mogbonjubola, and other appointees.