Ogun State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun has charged Nigerians to continue to preach messages of hope, love, and forgiveness, especially in times of strife and division.
Governor Abiodun made the call during the Special Jumat Service to mark the 64th National Day celebration at the Central Mosque, Kobiti, Abeokuta.
The Governor, represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele said the collective faith in God and undying hope for a brighter future have kept Nigerians strong and resilient.
“As we gather all over the country to celebrate with this special Jumat service, it is important for us to reflect on how far we have come as a people and, more significantly, how much more we can achieve by aligning our efforts with the principles of peace, unity, and justice—values deeply embedded in Islam,” he said.
He noted that the Special Jumat service was an opportunity to offer thanks for the progress the country has made and to pray for intervention in areas where the nation is still encountering challenges, emphasizing the importance of peace in nation-building.
Abiodun stressed that under his leadership, the state has witnessed significant strides in infrastructural development, improved security, and food initiatives, which he noted have empowered farmers to improve agricultural productivity in the state.
He added that his administration focuses on job creation through various empowerment programs and industrialization efforts, which have, in no small measure, provided employment opportunities for the youth.
Governor Abiodun pointed out that these achievements reflect his commitment to ensuring that the state remains a vital player in Nigeria’s journey toward sustainable growth and national prosperity, charging Nigerians to pray for guidance in their decision-making, as well as the enactment of policies and programs that would engender overall benefits for the nation.
Earlier in his sermon, Mufasir of Egbaland, Alhaji Taofeek Amolegbe, said life is full of challenges, and efforts to face and conquer them would lead to independence, attributing the nation’s major challenge to insecurity.
While stressing the need for more peaceful co-existence, love, and unity among Nigerians, he admonished the leaders and citizens to always reflect on the wording of the national anthem, particularly “in brotherhood we stand and that truth and justice reign.”
In their separate remarks, the Olu of Ilaro and the Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, represented by the Adokun of Igan Okoto, Oba Mukaila Salako, and the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, represented by the Onirolu of Irolu, Oba Sikirulai Adeyiga, congratulated the nation on the 64th National Day celebration, stating that attaining independence was not easy, considering the factors surrounding it.
They appreciated the efforts of the heroes who fought for independence, calling on the government to continue its contribution to nation-building and to initiate policies that would alleviate the suffering of the citizens.
