By Adedotun Ajayi

The governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has stated that his administration is grounded in the body of Christ and will not fail in its duty to serve the people.

He made this assertion during an interface with Christian leaders in Ondo State at St. David’s Cathedral, Ijomu, Akure, on Monday.

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa expressed his appreciation to the church leaders for honouring the invitation and apologised for the delay in holding the meeting. “I am deeply grateful to all the leaders of the churches in Ondo State for responding so promptly to this invitation; this meeting should have taken place much earlier, and I sincerely apologise for the delay.”

Emphasising his faith, he continued, “I am one of you, a born-again Christian, and I understand the spiritual responsibilities that come with leadership. The Ondo State government is anchored on the body of Christ, and as such, we cannot afford to fail. I earnestly ask that you continue to pray for us, for wisdom in governance, and for the upcoming elections to be peaceful and just.”

The governor called on the Christian community to pray fervently for the state, saying, “As we approach the crucial electoral period, I implore you to intercede for our state, for harmony, and for a smooth electoral process that reflects the will of the people. We cannot underestimate the power of prayer.”

In response, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ondo State chapter, Reverend Anselm Ologunwa, praised the governor’s prompt attention to issues concerning the Christian community.

“We appreciate your dedication to our concerns and your promptness in addressing matters that affect the body of Christ; your leadership is indeed commendable,” he said.

Reverend Ologunwa reiterated that CAN remains non-partisan, with a primary mission to uphold Christian values. “The body of Christ is non-partisan; our duty is to promote the teachings of Jesus Christ, regardless of political affiliations. We understand the vital role of leadership in shaping the future of our state and stand ready to support any leader who prioritises the people’s welfare.”

He also outlined key expectations from the government, including economic development, peace, and job creation. “We need a government that actively advocates for peace and harmony. Economic development and job opportunities must remain a top priority. We commit to praying for leaders who put the welfare of the people above all else.”

Announcing a spiritual initiative, Reverend Ologunwa said, “The Christian community has set aside three days of intensive prayer, beginning on November 10th, for the state and the election. We are praying for divine guidance and the peace of Ondo State. We trust that God will intervene.”

Reverend Ologunwa also appealed to the governor to prioritise the welfare of the people. “Governor, we urge you to always place the needs of the people above personal interests. During your campaigns, focus on real, actionable solutions that address the challenges faced by our communities. We ask you to pay special attention to the elderly, children, and the most vulnerable among us.”

He further made a heartfelt plea for the return of schools to their original Christian owners. “We once again request that schools founded by the Christian community be returned to us. These institutions were established on principles that build strong moral and academic foundations. Restoring them will benefit our society immensely.”

The interface wrapped up with heartfelt prayers for the governor in anticipation of the November 16 gubernatorial election, seeking a free and fair electoral process as well as overall peace for the state.

In attendance were the deputy governor, Olayide Adelami; chief of staff, Segun Omojuwa; religious leaders across the state; and top government functionaries.