Ondo State Governor, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, on Sunday pledged that no part of the state would be left out in his administration’s development plans, as he reaffirmed his commitment to inclusive growth and enhanced security.
Governor Aiyedatiwa, who spoke at the Chapel of the Annunciation, Archbishop Vining College of Theology, Oke-Emeso, Akure, during a thanksgiving service to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary, said governance for him had only just begun.
“In the last several months, much has been achieved, yet I stand before you to humbly say that we are only just beginning. By God’s grace, we shall not relent until every community in the state can feel the touch of development,” he told the congregation.
The Governor stressed that his administration was anchored on service, accountability and progress. “Our works are ongoing and the results are spreading. More will be done, because we too will do new things,” he said.
He declared that Nigeria’s Independence is beyond the symbolic lowering and raising of flags, describing it as a reminder of unity, responsibility and sacrifice.
“Independence is more than the lowering of one flag and the raising of another. It is a constant reminder of freedom, responsibility and nationhood. We must not forget the sacrifices of our heroes who laid down their lives so that we may inherit a free and united Nigeria,” he added.
Recalling Nigeria’s survival of civil war, ethnic and religious crises, economic downturns and the COVID-19 pandemic, Governor Aiyedatiwa said thanksgiving was inevitable.
Quoting Psalms 124, he declared: “If it had not been the Lord who was on our side, then they had swallowed us up quick. Truly, if not for God, there would not have been any entity called Nigeria. Thanksgiving is not only for what God has done, but for what He will yet do.”
On insecurity, he noted that government alone could not shoulder the task. “Security is the primary duty of government, but it is everybody’s business. It is not the elephants or bamboos that cause insecurity; it is human beings breaking the laws. Citizens’ participation is very key,” he stressed.
He commended the Church for its role in peace and morality, while hailing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as revolutionary reforms and infrastructural development.
“We are very proud of the exemplary leadership of the President. It is our collective duty to support him and remain loyal to his Renewed Hope Agenda,” the Governor said.
Earlier in his sermon, Chairman of the Board of Vining College and Bishop of Ijesa North Diocese, Rt Rev. Joseph Alaba Olusola, urged Nigerians to embrace repentance, unity and a return to God, saying the Almighty was sending a word of hope at 65.
He explained that God, through the prophet Isaiah, declared deliverance to a nation in captivity, promising restoration and salvation.
“There must be a national moral divide and the new belief must begin with repentance and with everyone returning to God. Nigerians must be able to sleep without fear and travel without anxiety. The new thing must mean honest management of our resources, industrial growth, and an economy that works for all. Our young people are the future of this nation. God’s new thing must empower our youth with education, innovation, jobs, and government leadership,” he stressed.
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Also speaking, the Rector and Vicar of the College, Ven. Dr Moses Adetunbi, praised the Governor for infrastructural projects across the state, especially road construction beyond Akure, and lauded his administration for prompt payment of salaries and pensions.
Former Bishop of the Anglican Communion, Bishop Michael Ipinmoye, later offered special prayers for the Governor, his cabinet and the people of the state.
