Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has asked the church to keep praying for sustainable growth and development in Oyo State.
The governor said this on Sunday at the Thanksgiving Service held at Rehoboth Cathedral, Oluyole Estate, Ibadan.
While expressing his appreciation to God for keeping the state safe and prosperous on his watch, Governor Makinde also thanked the church for supporting his administration right from the outset.
He said, “I have been coming to this church as the governor of Oyo State for the past seven years. You have been supporting us in your prayers and in the activities of the government. For these, I really have to thank you.
“Please, continue to pray for us and support your government. Challenges lie ahead, but if we all contribute, no matter how small, we will make a difference. Together, we will ensure that our state remains on the path of sustainable growth and development.”
Talking about the strides of his administration, the governor said, “Some may look at these things as an individual’s effort, but it is not, it is teamwork. A lot of planning, hard work, and long nights go into having the kind of Oyo State we now have. At the end of this tenure, I will leave but we will have other members of the team.
“We have a team and we have the blueprint. Before my election in 2019, we brought out the Oyo State Roadmap for Accelerated Development 2019-2023. When I was contesting for the second tenure in 2023, we put together the Oyo State Roadmap for Sustainable Development 2023-2027. And before the end of this year, we will put together the Oyo State Roadmap for Continued Development 2027 and Beyond.”
While assuring of his administration’s determination to continually improve the infrastructure, Makinde promised to fix Elebu and BCJ roads before the end of his tenure.
He added, “These were promises I made during my campaign, and even if it is the last thing I do with the state’s resources, I will fulfil them.
“For seven consecutive years, we have paid civil servants and public officers their salaries, including a 13th-month salary, and we will ensure that this continues.”
Earlier in his sermon, the Presiding Bishop of Rehoboth Cathedral, Bishop Taiwo Adelakun, said people should give thanks to God because it is a command by the Almighty, adding that doing so is the key to abundant life.
He prayed that Governor Makinde would finish on a high note. He also prayed for continued progress in the state.
On the governor’s entourage were Mrs Olubunmi Oni, Head of Service; Professor Dahud Kehinde Sangodoyin, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources; Honourable Williams Akin-Funmilayo, Commissioner for Lands, Housing, and Urban Development; Honourable Ademola Ojo, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs and Chieftaincy Matters; Hon Abiodun Oni, Director-General of the Oyo State Solid Mineral Development Agency; Rev’d Idowu Ogedengbe, Executive Assistant to the Governor on Administration; Rev’d Femi Ibikunle, Special Assistant on Inter-Faith Matters; Deacon Adeoye Adekola, Chairman of Oyo State Board for Technical and Vocational Education; Pastor Layi Adisa, Hon Babatunde Tijani and Engr. Femi Babalola, among others.
