By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has emphasised the importance of prayers in maintaining the peace the country currently enjoys.

Speaking during a thanksgiving service at St. David’s Anglican Cathedral in Akure, held to mark Nigeria’s 64th Independence anniversary, the governor called on religious leaders to intensify their prayers for the prosperity of both the state and the nation.

Governor Aiyedatiwa expressed the government’s continued appreciation for the role of the church in shaping the nation. He urged religious leaders not to relent in their efforts to pray for the nation’s progress and prosperity.

The governor also called on citizens to show more patience and understanding with both the state and federal governments as they work to address the various challenges facing the country.

He encouraged the citizens to return to agriculture, reminding them that it was the nation’s primary source of income before oil became dominant.

Aiyedatiwa further appealed for unity and brotherhood, stating, “We must strengthen the bonds of unity and maintain the brotherhood that our country is known for.”

He further urged citizens to remain committed to the progress of Nigeria, particularly in Ondo State, reaffirming his administration’s dedication to the socio-economic development of the state. “There are robust policies in place to ensure the welfare of the people is maintained,” he said.

As the state prepares for the upcoming gubernatorial election, Aiyedatiwa called for peace and urged citizens to exercise wisdom in their voting choices. “I appeal to everyone to maintain the relative peace we enjoy in the state and deploy your votes wisely as we move towards building a more prosperous state,” he concluded.

Earlier in his sermon, the Bishop of Akure Anglican Diocese and Archbishop of Ondo Ecclesiastical Province, Most Reverend Simeon Borokinni, admonished Nigerians to see this year’s independence anniversary as a time of sober reflection and an opportunity to amend our ways.

Archbishop Borokinni who preached from Luke 15:17-19 on the topic “Freedom in Christ” noted that Nigeria is blessed with vast human resources who have turned out to be trail blazers in many areas of human endeavour, adding that it is impossible to sidetrack a Nigerian anywhere in the world.

The seasoned cleric who likened freedom that is unchecked to free doom lamented that though the British colonial masters left Nigeria, Nigerians are still colonising one another, saying that the poor are at the mercy of the rich and we are at the mercy of leaders who rule with selfish motive.

“Insecurity has pushed many of our farmers to flee their farms. Do we need to wait till people begin to feed from dustbins till we know that things are bad?

“Like the prodigal son, some have left this country with the wealth of the country. Our commonwealth has been looted and few people are enjoying the wealth in their adopted country,” he said.

The Akure diocesan helmsman stated that the spirit of entitlement had replaced the hard work that Omoluabi was known for, adding that Nigerians have been suffering lack in the midst of abundance due to a culture of waste at all levels.

Archbishop Borokinni, therefore, enjoined Nigerians to follow the example of the prodigal son and seek the face of God in repentance, saying that it is time to go back to God so that we can have freedom of mind and spirit.

He, likewise, enjoined the people of Ondo State to shun all acts of corruption and vote buying at the forthcoming governorship election, adding that the government should provide a level playing ground, so that the will of God will prevail.

The Archbishop also noted that no leader remains in power forever and urged those in authority to use their positions wisely.

He therefore prayed for the governor’s continued success in leading the state and congratulated the entire nation on its 64th Independence Anniversary.

Earlier, the Ondo State Governor read the first Bible reading from Romans 13:1-10 which speaks on importance of good citizenship and having a good sense of responsibility to the state.

In attendance were deputy governor Olayide Adelami, speaker ondo state house of assembly, Olamide Oladiji, secretary to the state government, Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of staff, Segun Omojuwa, State Chairman APC, Ade Adetimehin, Head of service, Bayo Philips among other top government functionaries.