Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has urged Nigerians to see the country as a shared inheritance and treat its future as a collective responsibility.
Abiodun stated this on Sunday at the Special Interdenominational Church Service held at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta, to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The governor, who was represented by his deputy, Noimot Salako-Oyedele, said citizens owe future generations a united, peaceful, prosperous and just country.
He charged Nigerians to look beyond current challenges and focus on future possibilities.
“When we speak about development, we must also speak about the values that hold society together. Government cannot build a prosperous society alone. There is a need for citizens to work hand-in-hand with the government to build a robust nation,” Abiodun said.
He commended President Bola Tinubu for economic reforms under the Renewed Hope Agenda, expressing optimism that the policies would translate into improved infrastructure, livelihoods and economic opportunities.
The governor said his administration remains committed to expanding economic programmes, strengthening public institutions and investing in human capital until the end of his tenure.
“The true measure of governance is not simply the projects commissioned, but the lives improved and opportunities created,” he added.
Abiodun also appealed to political leaders and religious bodies to preach peace, mutual respect and responsible civic engagement ahead of future elections.
“We can disagree without becoming enemies, compete without violence and defend our convictions while respecting the rights of others,” he stated.
In his sermon titled “A Call to Repentance,” based on Joel 2:12-14, the Archbishop of Lagos and Bishop of Remo, Most Rev. Michael Fape, called on leaders and citizens to turn away from corruption and seek God’s guidance.
Fape identified greed as a major driver of corruption, warning against disguising corrupt practices as public relations.
He noted that Nigeria had yet to reach its potential, citing infrastructural decay, struggling health and tertiary institutions, and business closures. He also thanked God for what he described as a reduction in incidents of banditry and kidnapping.
The cleric commended Abiodun for his administration’s development efforts in Ogun State and urged residents to shun the politics of hatred.
See Nigeria as our inheritance, collective assignment – Gov Abiodun