Abiodun guarantees peaceable, rancour-free handover in 2027

The governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has assured residents that his administration will document a seamless, peaceable, and rancour-free transition on the finish of his second time period in 2027, pledging to set a historic benchmark within the state’s governance.

Governor Abiodun gave the reassurance on Thursday through the Christmas church service at St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo, in Ikenne Native Authorities Space.

He declared that his administration is decided to be the primary within the state’s historical past to efficiently hand over energy with out acrimony.

Succession within the state has traditionally been marked by tensions. For example, within the build-up to the 2011 common elections, the then Governor Gbenga Daniel supported Gboyega Isiaka, a Chartered Accountant and graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, because the candidate from Ogun West senatorial district.

Nevertheless, former President Olusegun Obasanjo and different PDP members backed former Navy Governor of Oyo State, the late Gen. Adetunji Olurin, additionally from Ogun West.

Isiaka later contested below the Peoples Party of Nigeria, whereas Olurin remained in PDP, and each misplaced to Sen. Ibikunle Amosun of the Motion Congress of Nigeria.

Equally, forward of the 2019 governorship race, outgoing Governor Amosun of the All Progressives Congress initially endorsed Adekunle Akinlade, then representing Yewa South/Ipokia federal constituency, as his most well-liked successor.

Nevertheless, Amosun insisted he had no interference in Dapo Abiodun’s candidacy.

Regardless of preliminary opposition from get together factions, Abiodun emerged victorious with a margin of about 19,000 votes, leaving Akinlade of the Allied Peoples Motion and Isiaka of the African Democratic Congress in second and third locations, respectively.

Abiodun pledged that the politicking surrounding his handover could be devoid of hostility, pointless infighting, or pressure.

Talking through the Christmas service in his hometown of Iperu-Remo, he mentioned, “As we strategy 2027, not solely we could end effectively and end robust, by the grace of God, this administration will hand over efficiently to a successor. It will likely be the primary peaceable transition within the 50-year historical past of Ogun State.

“By God’s grace, I’ll sit down as your governor at my send-forth ceremony and in addition sit on the swearing-in ceremony of my successor.”

He attributed his confidence to what he described as strong governance, financial enlargement, and people-focused improvement below his watch.

In keeping with him, Ogun State’s financial system has grown considerably since he assumed workplace, with the annual finances increasing from about ₦355 billion to over ₦2.7 trillion, reflecting elevated financial exercise and investor confidence.

“Our financial system has grown nearly 5 occasions from what we met on floor. New factories and industries are arising throughout the state.

“We’ve got reconstructed over 2,000 colleges, created jobs, empowered farmers, and expanded alternatives for our folks — and we aren’t executed but. We’d like your prayers to complete robust,” he said.

Abiodun reaffirmed his dedication to proceed utilizing his workplace to glorify God and serve the folks by impactful, people-oriented tasks, citing the Gateway Worldwide Airport and different key infrastructure throughout the three senatorial districts as lasting legacies.

He additionally counseled President Bola Tinubu for purposeful management below the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that the nation is regularly stabilising with improved availability of petroleum merchandise, easing inflationary pressures, and a extra secure international change regime.

On the importance of Christmas, the governor reminded residents that the season goes past celebration and merriment, emphasising love, peace, and compassion for the susceptible.

“Many individuals assume Christmas is about purchasing or partying, however that isn’t what Christmas is about. Christmas is about love — loving your neighbour as your self.

“There isn’t any higher reward than God giving us Jesus to die for our unrighteousness. Some folks give what they now not want, however God gave us a priceless reward.

“Within the spirit of Christmas, we should keep in mind to offer to others and lengthen a hand of fellowship to the much less privileged,” he mentioned.

The church service sermon, titled “Christmas Is God’s Finest Reward to You,” was delivered by the Vicar, Venerable Tolulope Akinwande, who described Christmas because the season God gave Himself to humanity by the start of Jesus Christ.

Quoting Hebrews 1:2-3 and John 1:2, 14, Ven. Akinwande mentioned the aim of Christ’s start can solely be fulfilled when His reward is accepted. He urged believers to embrace Christ’s sacrifice and reside reworked lives.

The cleric additionally counseled Governor Abiodun for what he described as purposeful and transformative management, praying that the top of his tenure would surpass its starting.