By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
Governor Seyi Makinde on Sunday called on the people of Oyo State and Nigerians to keep praying for the state and the country to overcome its present challenges and move forward.
The governor made the call in Ibadan at a special thanksgiving service to commemorate Nigeria’s 61st independence anniversary, held at the Cathedral of St Peter, Aremo, Ibadan
Governor Makinde who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun, pointed outthat despite the myriad of challenges facing the country, all hope is not lost.
“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”, he said.
The governor added, ” 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.”
According to Governor Makinde, ” a year ago, we were talking about security here, It was tense in our city and land. I want to thank all of us because we have put hands together to get the security situation much calmer. So, thank you very much for what you are doing to make the security situation much 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.We also thank God for our children who have started school. We thank God for the free education policy of this administration.Please, continue to pray for us so that we will be able to complete the good works we have started.”
In his sermon, the Provost of the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, Ibadan, Very Revd. Adewale Adebiyi urged Nigerian leaders to rule with absolute fear of God and continue to live and lead in accordance with “God’s injunctions.” as well as to uphold justice and fairness on all issues.
Very Rev Adebiyi stressed that Nigerian leaders and followers must be pious, fearless, patriotic and courageous in their day to day activities, adding, “Nigerians need the support of their leaders now more than ever before, as they are facing a myriad of problems.”
