As Nigeria celebrates 64th independence anniversary, a charge has gone to the citizenry to honour God’s sovereignty over the country and turn to him for the restoration of lost treasures.
The diocesan bishop of Ijebu North, Church of Nigeria Anglican communion, The Right Reverend Godwin Odubena who gave the charge this Sunday at a special service marking the National Day celebration held at the Cathedral of St. Peters, Ake, Abeokuta.
Delivering a sermon entitled, ‘ leading our nation forward in a time like this’, the cleric noted that the current challenges facing Nigeria are surmountable through the collaborative efforts of leaders and the citizens, adding that everyone has the responsibility of moving the nation forward by being patriotic at all times .
The Right Reverend Odubena who pointed out that the 64th independence anniversary calls for a reflection on the journey so far as nation with a view to projecting into the future, called on the leaders to bring relief to the masses by critically addressing the existing challenges such as corruption ,kidnapping,cultism, insurgency, internet fraud and other socio-economic issues which constitute threats to national peace.
According to him, Nigeria will experience a divine turn around if all stakeholders prioritise her progress and development, be law-abiding, seek God’s guidance in decision making and recommit themselves to her noble cause, expressing optimism that,there will be light at the end of the tunnel.
Meanwhile, in a bid to promote sports as a unifying tool and a focal point for nation building, the Ogun State government has reiterated commitment to hosting a befitting National Sports Festival in January 2025.
The Deputy Governor, Engineer Noimot Salako-Oyedele gave the assurance this Saturday in Abeokuta at the 2024 LOTUS Bank Abeokuta 10-kilometre race organized by Nilayo Sports Management Limited.
The Deputy governor expressed government’s resolve to continue to develop the sports sector through the Public Private Partnership initiative of the Governor Dapo Abiodun-led administration, thanking Lotus bank for keeping the race alive and discovering talents.
Engineer Salako-Oyedele who commended the organisers of the road race led by Mr. Bukola Olopade for sustaining the race which started in 2019, the Deputy, Governor assured that government will always welcome initiatives that put the Gateway state on the World map positively.
She expressed confidence that the forthcoming National Sports Festival tagged Gateway Games 2024 will be a huge success with Mr. Bukola Olopade as the Chairman, local organizing committee (LOC) for the multi sports event,
The Deputy Governor congratulated participants in the LOTUS Bank Abeokuta 10km race, saying government will continue to encourage the private sector investment in the sports sector towards building the youths and engaging them meaningfully, as well as creating a path to maintain a healthy living#
