Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, stated on Sunday that Nigerians should vote in support of effective government during the upcoming general elections in 2023.
According to Governor Makinde, there is light at the end of the country’s current dark alley. He made this statement while speaking at the Special Thanksgiving Church Service to Celebrate Nigeria’s 62nd Independence Anniversary, held at the Cathedral of St. Peters, Aremo, Ibadan.
He advised the populace to be hopeful and to continue to pray for the country.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, stated that despite the series of challenges the country is witnessing, the people need not lose hope.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that though the country has never been as divided and challenged as seen under the current administration, there is hope of a better tomorrow.
The statement quoted the governor as saying that though the country is facing challenges in the area of security, banditry, kidnapping and other crimes, the government in the state has decided to rise above the national malaise by faithfully implementing its poverty to prosperity agenda, thereby recording a series of life-changing achievements.
He urged the electorate to cast their votes in defence of good governance and service delivery during the next general elections.
He said:
“This time last year, we gathered in this same auditorium to give thanks to the Lord Almighty for making us witness the 61st Independence anniversary of the country.
“Just like a twinkle of an eye, the clock has turned on another 365 days and we are here to give thanks to the Almighty for the dawn of the 62nd independence anniversary of Nigeria.”
The governor added that aside the rise in crimes and criminality, the country is also burdened by economic difficulties, which he said appears to defy social-scientific prognosis.
He stated:
“A peep at the front cover of any of the national dailies published in Nigeria easily portrays a country in dire straits.
“But our message today is that of hope.
“That there is light at the end of the dark alley and like Moses confidently declared to the children of Israel in Exodus 14: 13, the Egyptians whom we see today, we shall see no more forever, Amen.”
He said that Oyo State has, however, been able to stay afloat despite taking its share of the national crisis.
He said: “But here we have chosen to ride the storm through the faithful implementation of the Poverty to Posterity mantra of this administration.
“In line with our dedication to rise above the national tide, this administration launched the Roadmap for Accelerated Development of Oyo State, 2019 to 2023 immediately we assumed office on May 29. 2019.
“As our people go to the polls in February and March 2023, I can only urge you to cast your votes in defence of good governance and service delivery.”
In his sermon, Bishop of Ibadan North Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. Williams Aladekugbe,urged Nigerians to always be their brothers ‘keeper.
He called on those in the position of power and authority to use their positions to uplift the less privileged people in the society.
