…as Aiyedatiwa calls for prayers, unity

By Adedotun Ajayi & Babatunde Ayedoju

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As Nigerians celebrate the 64th Independence anniversary tomorrow, the Bishop of Akure Anglican Diocese and Archbishop of Ondo Ecclesiastical Province, Most Reverend Simeon Borokini, has admonished the leaders to return the country to the path of honesty, hard work and other Omoluwabi ethos the people were once known for.

This is as the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa called on religious leaders to intensify their prayers for the prosperity of both the state and the nation.

Speaking during the 64th Independence Anniversary Thanksgiving service held at St. David’s Anglican Cathedral, Akure, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized the significance of prayers in sustaining the peace the country currently enjoys.

“The prayers of saints across the country have preserved the peace we now enjoy,” Aiyedatiwa said, expressing the government’s continued appreciation for the role of the church in shaping the nation. He urged religious leaders not to relent in their efforts to pray for the nation’s progress and prosperity.

The Governor who took the first Bible reading from Romans 13:1-10 which speaks on importance of good citizenship and having a good sense of responsibility to the state, also called on citizens to show more patience and understanding with both the state and federal governments as they work to address the various challenges facing the country.

He encouraged the citizens to return to agriculture, reminding them that it was the nation’s primary source of income before oil became dominant.

Aiyedatiwa further appealed for unity and brotherhood, stating, “We must strengthen the bonds of unity and maintain the brotherhood that our country is known for.”

As the state prepares for the upcoming gubernatorial election, Aiyedatiwa called for peace and urged citizens to exercise wisdom in their voting choices to build a more prosperous state.

In his sermon during the thanksgiving service, Archbishop Borokini said the occasion called for a sober reflection and an opportunity to amend our ways.

The Archbishop who preached from Luke 15:17-19 on the topic “Freedom in Christ” noted that Nigeria is blessed with vast human resources who have turned out to be trail blazers in many areas of human endeavours, lamented that though the British colonial masters left Nigeria, Nigerians are still colonising one another.

The cleric said that the poor are at the mercy of the rich and we are at the mercy of leaders who rule with selfish motive.

“Insecurity has pushed many of our farmers to flee their farms. Do we need to wait till people begin to feed from dustbins till we know that things are bad? Like the prodigal son, some have left this country with the wealth of the country. Our commonwealth has been looted and few people are enjoying the wealth in their adopted country,” he said.

The Akure diocesan helmsman stated that the spirit of entitlement had replaced hard work that Omoluabi was known for, adding that Nigerians have been suffering lack in the midst of abundance due to a culture of waste at all levels.

Archbishop Borokinni, therefore, enjoined Nigerians to follow the example of the prodigal son and seek the face of God in repentance, saying that it is time to go back to God so that we can have freedom of mind and spirit.

He, likewise, enjoined the people of Ondo State to shun all acts of corruption and vote buying at the forthcoming governorship election, adding that the government should provide a level playing ground, so that the will of God will prevail.

The Archbishop also noted that no leader remains in power forever and urged those in authority to use their positions wisely.

He therefore prayed for the governor’s continued success in leading the state and congratulated the entire nation on its 64th Independence Anniversary.

In attendance were deputy governor, Dr Olayide Adelami, Speaker Ondo State House of Assembly, Olamide Oladiji, Secretary to the State Government, Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff, Segun Omojuwa, State Chairman APC, Ade Adetimehin, Head of service, Bayo Philips among other top government functionaries.