• President, Akpabio, Osoba, others celebrate Ogun governor at 65
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has acknowledged the transformative style of Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun as one that has led to advancement in infrastructure and facilities for socio-economic development of the state.
The President spoke at the thanksgiving service to mark the 65th birthday anniversary and six years in office of the governor, held at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta.
Tinubu, represented by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said: “Your leadership over the past six years has transformed the entirety of Ogun State into a model of progress marked by notable advancements in infrastructure, social welfare, education, youth empowerment, agriculture and food security.
“Through transparent and inclusive governance, you have fostered innovation, stability and sustainable development, reflected in Ogun State’s rising profile as a leading destination for investment and a state with steadily growing Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
“I commend your unwavering commitment to public service and to the advancement of our great nation; your leadership remains a pillar of strength in our collective pursuit of national renewal and prosperity.”
Senator Akpabio, in his personal message, hailed Governor Abiodun for his developmental strides, saying the governor had translated his vision into reality.
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Akpabio said: “I was a bit scared when I landed today at the airport because I thought I would remain in history as the best-ever governor Nigeria had produced, but seeing what is happening here, it looks like people are trying to beat my record.
“But I think it is good; the competition is good. I thought I was an uncommon governor, but I have come to see an uncommon state.
“We thank you for the support you have given to President Tinubu, and we thank you for mobilising all the governors of Southern Nigeria to line up behind the President.”
Governor Abiodun said the day provided him the opportunity to celebrate his 65th birthday, six years in office and the closing of the National Sports Festival.
“The journey has been one of grace, learning, testing, triumphs and a constant reminder that we are a vessel in the hands of the Almighty God,” he said.
He recalled May 29, 2019, as “when everything was cloudy; today, with the help of the Almighty God, I can see the rain is gone. God indeed has used me and my team, despite all odds, in repositioning this great state, and I’m indeed humbled and grateful for how God has turned my dreams into realities.
In his goodwill message, former President Olusegun Obasanjo hailed the governor for his developmental strides, describing his 65th birthday as a day of joy.
“He has made my mission possible and my visions into testimonies. He has been so good to me.”
Abiodun used the occasion to rededicate himself to lead with humility, vision, courage and compassion, calling for continued prayers to enable him succeed.
Former governor of the state, Chief Olusegun Osoba, described the infrastructural development the state had witnessed in the last six years as tremendous, noting that the governor had fixed major roads and provided other essentials for the people of the state.
Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Oludotun Aremu Gbadebo, said Governor Abiodun had touched lives in various ways.
The Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, commended Abiodun for reviewing the Obas’ law and taking care of the traditional rulers despite financial challenges.
The Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, congratulated the governor on reaching the age of 65, describing him as a humble and fantastic human being.
In his sermon titled: “If It Has Been the Lord,” the Bishop of Egba West Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev’d Samuel Ogundeji, urged the governor to always count his blessings and give thanks to God for his successes in business and politics.
He said many had aspired to be in his position, but were not favoured.
Taking his text from Psalms 124, verses 1 to 6, the bishop urged the governor to continue to depend on God for direction.