………Calls for prayer for progress, peace, prosperity of Ondo State
The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa has said that his administration shall continue to put the interest of the people of the State first in whatever decisions it takes.
The Governor stated this at Ondo State Covenant Renewal Day 2024, held at Cathedral Church of St. David, Ijomu, Akure to commemorate the Independence Day.
Governor Aiyedatiwa appreciated the organisers of the programme and the leadership of Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN) especially the Ondo State Chapter for their efforts, zeal and steadfastness in keeping the flag of this event flying since 1999.
The Governor said “This yearly programme is very significant in our lives as a State as it affords us the opportunity to reflect on all that God has done for us and to reaffirm our abiding faith and trust in Him for future successes. What we are witnessing here today is highly biblical as the children of Israel, as recorded in the Bible, had cause more than once to do covenant renewal with God.
“I am glad to aver that things are shaping up and getting better for us as a State from all economic indices and I can say with all humility and by the Grace of God Almighty that we have a great future ahead of us as a State.
“It is important for us as a country to reflect on our journey since independence; from the three years period of civil war to challenges of ethnicism, sectionalism, statism, nepotism etc. Nevertheless, we have all reasons to thank God that we still have a country to call our own.
“We are not yet there, but with time, we would get there. I have no doubt in my mind that with the ongoing economic reforms of Mr. President, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, we would soon get us out of the woods. Undoubtedly, there is hardship in the land but we are working day and night in collaboration with the Federal Government to alleviate the sufferings of our people and put smile on their faces”.
The Governor highlighted his achievements in assisting the people of the State and put them in a better stead by initiating polices and programs, entrepreneurship training and development for the youths to make them self reliant and employed, distribution of ssorted fertilizers and farm inputs to our farmers to improve their yields and boost harvest, among others.
“Essentially, we have also demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the security of lives and property, which is the primary purpose of government as enshrined in the Constitution of Nigeria. It is on record that with the support of God, regular encourgement from our administration and relentless synergy between our home-grown Amotekun Corps and the conventional security architectures, our dear Sunshine State is one of the most secure, safest and investments-friendly sub-nationals in Nigeria”.
The Governor urged the people of the State as well as spiritual leaders to look up to God as the Author and Finisher of our faith, and put their trust in Him as the Pillar of support and strength, continue to seek God’s wisdom and guidance.
“Let us continue to pray for the progress, prosperity and peace of the Sunshine State as we are getting nearer to the upcoming Gubernatorial Election in our dear State”.
Earlier in his address, the Facilitator, Ondo State Covenant Renewal, Revd. Peter Abimbola noted that the event calls for a deep reflection as well as celebration as it is holy unto the Lord.
He added that the gathering is to fervently pray for Ondo State as it’s almost election time and Nigeria at large. He also sued for peace before, during and after the gubernatorial election in form of Violence free campaigns, urging political parties and their candidates contesting to toe the line of peace and decorum in their campaign.
Also speaking, the State Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Revd. Fr. Anselm Ologunwa noted that ultimate authority is not in human but God, urging the people to put their hope in God and trust in sovereignty.
He appreciated the Governor for being attentive to the people of the State and also commended his continuation of the night of praise, describing it is a demonstration to spiritual well being and lifting Ondo State into God’s hands
In his sermon from Ecclesiastes 12:13, Revd. Evang. Funso Awoku urged the people to fear God, hate and depart from evil, obey God’s commands as well as the law of the land.
“Trust God only, let nothing shake your faith in Him. Pray for the Government, help the needy, he said.
Highlight of the event included prayers for Ondo State and its citizens, security agencies and Nigeria at large.
The event with the theme ” the government upon His shoulders had in attendance, The Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, State Chairman of APC, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, members of the State Executive Council, Bishop of Akure Anglican Diocese and Archbishop of Ondo Ecclesiastical Province, Most Revd Simeon Oluwole Borokini, Founder, Agape Church, Bishop Felix Adejumo, among others.