Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has called on the Church to keep praying for continued growth and sustainable development in Oyo State.
As contained in a release by his media aide, Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the governor gave the charge on Sunday at a Thanksgiving Service held at Rehoboth Cathedral, Oluyole Estate, Ibadan.
Makinde, who expressed appreciation to God for keeping the state safe and prosperous on his watch, also thanked the Church for supporting his administration right from the outset.
He said: “I have been coming to this church as the governor of Oyo State for the past seven years. You have been supporting us in your prayers and in the activities of the government. For these, I really have to thank you.
“Please, continue to pray for us and support your government. Challenges lie ahead, but if we all contribute, no matter how small, we will make a difference. Together, we will ensure that our state remains on the path of sustainable growth and development.”
Talking about the strides of his administration, the governor said: “Some may look at these things as an individual’s effort, but it is not, it is teamwork.
“A lot of planning, hard work, and long nights go into having the kind of Oyo State we now have. At the end of this tenure, I will leave but we will have other members of the team.
“We have a team and we have the blueprint. Before my election in 2019, we brought out the Oyo State Roadmap for Accelerated Development 2019-2023.
“When I was contesting for the second tenure in 2023, we put together the Oyo State Roadmap for Sustainable Development 2023-2027.
“And before the end of this year, we will put together the Oyo State Roadmap for Continued Development 2027 and Beyond.”
Makinde assured of his administration’s determination to continually improve the infrastructure, promising to fix Elebu and BCGA roads before the end of his tenure.
He added: “These were promises I made during my campaign, and even if it is the last thing I do with the state’s resources, I will fulfil them.
“For seven consecutive years, we have paid civil servants and public officers their salaries, including a 13th-month salary, and we will ensure that this continues.”
Earlier in his sermon, the Presiding Bishop of Rehoboth Cathedral, Bishop Taiwo Adelakun, said people should give thanks to God because it is a command by the Almighty, adding that doing so is the key to abundant life.
He prayed that Governor Makinde would finish on a high note. He also prayed for continued progress in the state.
