Politics
Yuletide: Be Hopeful of Better tomorrow, Abiodun Urges Nigerians
Olasunmibo Aboluwade, Abuja
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has urged Nigerians to renew their faith in God and hope for a better future as the challenges confronting the nation are surmountable.
Speaking at the year 2023 Christmas Carol and Service of 9 Lessons held at the Arcade Ground, Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Prince Abiodun called on Nigerians not to lose sight of the values that define them as a people, but continue to love one another.
He said that true measures of success were beyond economic achievements, as it lies in the collective resolve of the people to grow together with a common destiny.
He emphasized the need for all Nigerians to be their brothers’ keeper, noting that unity can only be achieved by supporting and uplifting each other.
Christmas period, according to the governor, holds significance beyond the celebration and euphoria of Jesus Christ’s birth as it provides an opportunity for sober reflection and thanksgiving.
He called on Nigerians to show kindness to one another, especially to those who are currently facing challenges.
“This event is beyond the celebration and euphoria of the remembrance of the birth of our messiah; it is a time for sober reflection and thanksgiving. As we celebrate, we must be conscious of those around us who are struggling with one challenge or the other,” he emphasized.
He said his administration in the past four years, has successfully implemented its ISEYA vision without biase, adding that more than 500 kilometers of road have been constructed across the state, building of the Aro Cargo Airport, houses, provision of adequate health care facilities, education, among others.
While noting that his government has been fair, just and equitable to all section of the state in project distribution in keeping to his promise not to develop any part of the state at the expense of others, Governor Abiodun pledged to continue implementing programmes and polices that would have direct impact on the lives of the people.
In his sermon titled; “Jesus Christ, The Truth,” the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, reminded everyone that they were God’s creation and that God has the ability to repair or recreate what He had created
Taking his text from John 8: 32, Pastor Adeboye highlighted that God is the ultimate authority, controlling the earth and times, reassuring the congregation that when God opens a door, no one can shut it.
Some dignitaries at the occasion included the wife of the governor, Mrs. Bamidele Abiodun, Deputy Governor, Mrs. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo, former President, Olusegun Obasanjo and his wife Bola, former governor, Olusegun Osoba, former military administrators; Oladeinde Joseph and Daniel Akintonde, former deputy governors; Salimot Badru, Yetunde Onanuga, Senator Sefiu Kaka, former Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Ishola.
Others included Alake of Egbaland Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, among others.
David Olayinka, Akure
The Jagunmolu of Ikaleland and Ojagbulegun from The Source, Prince ( Dr.) Gen. Olu Bajowa, CFR has commended Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, describing him as a Governor whose victory at the November , 16th poll was made possible by God , the Almighty and the good people of Ondo State , who showed him massive love and vote support on election day.
Gen. Bajowa gave this indication in a special congratulatory statement, personally signed by him , which copy was obtained by thepolity.net
In the statement, the retired top brass Army General said, ” I write to join all well-wishers to congratulate you on your well deserved election victory as ” the God’s anointed” Executive Governor of Ondo State.
“The people have spoken loud and clear! Your outstanding and overwhelming performance with the wide margin at the polls is a testimony of your popular acceptance by the good people of The Sunshine State.
” As the old proverb says, ‘ Vox Populi, vox dei’ ( the voice of the people is the voice of God), therefore by God’s grace , you are the Executive Governor of Ondo State for the next four years. ”
While congratulating the Governor on his ‘ sweet victory,’ Gen. Bajowa said Gov. Aiyedatiwa has enormous responsibilities in making life more abundant for the people of Ondo State, noting that the Governor’s responsibility includes providing adequate security, transformation of Agriculture , health and education sectors among others; the fight against poverty, hunger and unemployment , ensuring adequate water and regular power supply for the growth of SMEs and reactivation of all the moribund industries with serious attention to road network and infrastructural development. Going further, Gen. Bajowa noted, “Also important are the issues of the development of our natural resources and solid minerals : bitumen, oil, fisheries and the Ondo State deep seaport project.
” You can count on me , my family and the entire Bajowa Royal Family for our continued support and loyalty to good governance and administration of Ondo State,” Gen. Bajowa stated.
While wishing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa a successful tenure , Gen. Bajowa wished him more of God’s guidance , protection and good health as he governs Ondo State afresh.
…as voting commences across wards
Feranmi Daniel, Abeokuta
There was very impressive turn out in Sagamu and Ikenne Local Governments on Saturday during the Local Government elections going on in the State, as voters were seen trooping to their various polling units to cast their ballots.
Recalled that Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) had earlier slated Local Government elections for Saturday, 16th November, 2024.
An election observer from Advocacy for Social Justice & Liberty, Charles Odunuga, commended the electoral body for what he termed decent and well organized process.
He therefore, urged electorate to maintain the peace till the end of the exercise, adding that peaceful environment plays pivotal role in strengthening democracy.
Also, a voter in Sagamu, Pastor Sola Komolafe, euologised the proactiveness of the electoral commission and level of preparedness, including level-playibg ground for opposition parties to thrive.
In the same vein, Mrs Kafilat Sokoya, another voter in Grammar School area of Ikenne described the process across the town as peaceful and orderly, as she advised voters to shun inducement and act of violence.
Feranmi Daniel, Abeokuta
The ongoing local government polls in Ogun State got off to a good start on Saturday. This newspaper can exclusively report.
Election into chairmanship and councillorship positions are currently ongoing in the 20 local government councils of the state, with the major political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) saying that they will have a good showing.
In the polling units surveyed in major cities such as Abeokuta, the state capital; Ijebu Ode, Sagamu, Ota and Ilaro, election materials arrived on schedule even as voters expressed confidence that the exercise would be concluded without any hassles.
Findings by reporters across the state have not shown any incident of voter harassment or ballot box snatching so far.
This contradicts the false alarm raised by a major opposition party in the state to the effect that the election has been bedevilled by violence.
Some voters, however, complained of late arrival of materials even as officials of the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) interviewed across the state said materials have reached all polling units in the State and they expected voters to come out in large numbers and exercise their franchise.