Oyo South senatorial candidate of the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) and member representing Ibadan North-West/Ibadan South-West federal constituency of Oyo state in the House of Representatives, Hon. Adedeji Dhikrullahi Olajide, has called for stronger partnership between the church and the political class in addressing the developmental challenges confronting the people.
Hon. Olajide Odidiomo made the call while speaking as a guest at the 14th annual session of the Ibadan Baptist Conference Champions and Overcomers Association, held at the Hebron Baptist Centre, Lasokun, Idi-Ishin, Ibadan, where he also announced a 10 million naira donation to the Ibadan Baptist Conference in support of its activities and programmes.
The federal lawmaker, who described the gathering as a reflection of the power of faith, unity and service to humanity, commended the Baptist church for its longstanding contributions to education, moral formation, community development and the nurturing of responsible citizens, saying such contributions remained critical to the development of society.
He said the relationship between the church and the political class should go beyond occasional interactions, stressing that faith based institutions had important roles to play as partners with government and other stakeholders in addressing social challenges and improving the lives of citizens.
According to him, the connection between Oyo South Senatorial District and the Ibadan Baptist Conference goes beyond geography, with both having a strong presence across Ibadan and Ibarapa communities, where families and institutions share common aspirations and developmental challenges.
He said the relationship placed the Baptist Conference in an important position, as a partner in addressing issues affecting the people and advancing the development of Oyo south, urging political leaders to recognise the value of sustained engagement with religious and community institutions.
“As we approach another season of political decisions, I believe that leadership must be about service, accountability, compassion and genuine concern for the people. Those of us in public life must see the church not merely as a religious institution, but as a partner in building a better society,” Odidiomo said.
The lawmaker also solicited the prayers of the church for leaders at all levels, particularly those entrusted with public responsibilities, saying Nigeria needed leaders endowed with wisdom, integrity and the courage to make decisions in the interest of the people.
The 10 million naira donation, according to Odidiomo, was part of his support for the work of the Baptist Conference and its contribution to the spiritual and social development of communities within its sphere of influence. The donation, he said, was intended to support the Conference’s activities and strengthen its contribution to the spiritual, educational and social development of communities within its sphere of influence
