Gov Aiyedatiwa calls for more prayers, support, commitment for nation’s growth

By Precious Oluwole

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyediwa has urged citizens to intensify prayers, support, and commitment toward fulfilling the aspirations of Nigeria’s founding fathers.

This call was made on Sunday, during the thanksgiving service to commemorate Nigeria’s 65th independence held at the Chapel Of Annunciation, Archbishop Vining College Of Theology, Akure.

According to him, independence is more than the lowering of one flag and the raising of another, it is a constant reminder of freedom, responsibility and nationhood. “It reminds us of the sacrifices of our heroes past, who laid down their comfort, sweat and even their lives, so that we may inherit a free and united Nigeria. Today, we must not only celebrate independence but rededicate ourselves to the values of love, faith, justice, unity and service. This thanksgiving is an opportunity to lift up our voices in praise, knowing that everything we are and everything we have comes from God.

“Following our covenant with the people of Ondo State as encapsulated in “OUR EASE” policy thrust, we have set out with sincerity to build a government of service, accountability and progress. In the last seven months, much has been achieved, yet I stand before you to humbly say that we are only just beginning. We are not here to catalogue our achievements as they are all visible in many places already. Our works are ongoing and the results are spreading across the State. My assurance to you today is this: more will be done. By the grace of God, we shall not relent until every community in Ondo State can feel the touch of development.”

The Governor appreciated the role of the Church in sustaining peace, unity and moral direction in Nigeria. “Your prayers strengthen us, your teachings guide us, and your support encourages us to continue in the path of service. Let me assure you that our government will continue to support religious bodies in their efforts to build faith, spread righteousness and nurture godly values among our people.

“As we celebrate Nigeria at 65, let us not forget that our unity is our strength. We are very proud of the exemplary leadership of the President and Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces, His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, particularly in terms of economic reforms and revolutionary infrastructural development”.

Governor Aiyedatiwa called for continued support and loyalty to President Tinubu. “Let us love one another more, work together more and remain steadfast in hope”, he concluded.

Earlier in his homily titled “I will do a new thing”, the Chairman, Board of Vining College Of Theology, Dr Joseph Alaba Olusola declared that God, the Master of nations, is set to do a new thing, not just in the lives of individuals, but also in families, workplaces, and the nation as a whole.

Drawing his inspiration from Isaiah 43 vs 19, he stated that even in times of captivity and despair, God promises restoration and transformation, emphasizing that God is promising a new beginning for the country, one rooted in repentance, righteousness, and unity. He stressed that national rebirth must begin with turning back to God, putting away corruption and immorality, and embracing diversity as a source of strength rather than division.

“As Nigeria marks 65 years of nationhood, we should remember that God’s blessings require human cooperation, and that agents of change must arise to drive progress”.

In attendance were; Ondo State first Lady, Mrs 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, members of the State Executive Council, members of Ondo State House of Assembly, Chairman, Akure South Local Government, Hon. Gbenga Fasua, political appointees, Heads of Security Agencies, Archbishop of Ondo Ecclesiastical Province and the Lord Bishop of Akure Diocese, The Most Revd Simeon Oluwole Borokini, retired Bishop of Akure Anglican Dioceses, Bishop Michael Ipinmoye, among others.