Gov Aiyedatiwa offers prayers of thanksgiving, renews pledge to righteous leadership

……..Archbishop Borokini urges integrity, discipline among leaders, citizens

By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Dr Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on Sunday thanked God for fifty years of Ondo State’s existence, describing the milestone as a testimony of vision, resilience and divine providence, while renewing his commitment to righteous leadership.

Speaking during the anniversary thanksgiving service held at St. Thomas’s Anglican Church in Akure, the Governor noted that the creation of Ondo State fifty years ago was rooted in ideals of unity, human dignity and moral responsibility, adding that the state’s progress over the decades had been sustained by the resilience of its people and a consistent reliance on divine guidance, which he said had inspired courage, wisdom and conscience in leadership and community life.

He added that the Church has been central to this journey. Pastors, ministers and Christian leaders have nurtured moral values, fostered societal cohesion and inspired civic responsibility.

“Through worship, teaching and counsel, you have strengthened the character of our communities and enriched the moral fabric upon which governance rests.

“Today, we lift our hearts in gratitude for the blessings of the past fifty years; for the resilience and dedication of the people of Ondo State, whose labour, commitment and solidarity have sustained families, communities and institutions; for the vision and service of our leaders, whose wisdom and courage have guided governance and development; and for the partnership of the Church, which has nurtured ethical leadership, social cohesion and moral responsibility.

“As we give thanks, we also recommit ourselves to the stewardship of these blessings, ensuring that every initiative, every policy and every project reflects integrity, justice and care for all citizens. Christian teaching reminds us that leadership is a call to serve, a responsibility to act justly and a duty to love our neighbour”.

Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that his administration remains committed to inclusive growth that uplifts every community, urban and rural alike, youth and human capital empowerment through education, skills, mentorship and enterprise.

“We are dedicated to strengthening institutions for transparency, accountability and sustainable development, preserving cultural and moral values that unify our people and guide ethical governance.

“Faith, when combined with visionary leadership and citizen engagement, becomes the compass that guides society through complexity, uncertainty and opportunity. It reminds us that development is not merely measured in roads, schools, or infrastructure, but in justice, equity and the flourishing of the human spirit.

“As we celebrate this Golden Jubilee, let it inspire renewed commitment to service, integrity and collective responsibility. Let our prayers be matched by action; our gratitude by diligence; and our faith by courage. Together, with God as our guide, we can project Ondo State in the next fifty years for more excellence, justice and enduring prosperity”, he concluded.

Earlier in his homily, the Bishop of Akure Diocese and Archbishop of Ondo Province, The Most Rev’d Simeon Oluwole Borokini called on leaders and citizens alike to uphold integrity, moral values, and discipline as Ondo State celebrates its 50th anniversary.

While acknowledging the contributions of the state’s founding fathers and expressed gratitude for God’s guidance over the years, Borokini noted that the milestone is not only for the government but for everyone.

“Leaders must lead with integrity. Leaders must guide with wisdom. Citizens must rise with discipline and innovation,” he said, urging the church and faith community to pray and speak the truth.

He further charged residents to obey laws, love their states and ensure that thanksgiving extends beyond mere words. “Let it be gratitude with humility, reflection with repentance, celebration with responsibility,” he said.

Archbishop Borokini prayed for continued divine guidance for the state, recalling God’s leadership over Jerusalem for 50 years and hoped that Ondo would experience greater peace, prosperity, development, and innovation in the years ahead.

He emphasised unity, accountability and visionary leadership.

He also called for a renewed focus on youth empowerment, education, health care accessibility and sustainable development, stressing that the state’s future must be shared and God-centred

He enjoined all stakeholders to build on past achievements while preparing Ondo State for a prosperous next 50 years.

In attendance were; Ondo State First lady, Mrs Esther Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa; The Deputy Governor, Dr Olayide Adelami; Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; Secretary to the State Government, Dr Taiwo Fasoranti; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip; former Deputy Governors, Alhaji Abdulazeez Oluboyo and Otunba Omolade Oluwateru; State Chairman of APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin; Members of the State Executive Council; Members of Ondo State House of Assembly; APC chieftains; Political appointees; Traditional rulers; Heads of security agencies; among other eminent personalities.