Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has appealed to residents, families and concerned citizens to pray for the safe release of students and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area, warning that protests could embolden their captors and undermine ongoing rescue efforts.
He made the appeal on Sunday while speaking at the birthday and retirement thanksgiving service of the outgoing Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, held at the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Headquarters, Basorun, Ibadan.
The governor said security agencies and government authorities are working tirelessly to ensure the victims’ safe return.
Makinde noted that banditry and terrorism remain major security challenges across the country, stressing that kidnappers should not be given attention that could embolden them.
“Our reality is that bandits and terrorists are at our doorstep. I want to encourage the family members of the children and teachers who were kidnapped,” he said.
“This is not the time for protests. Terrorists and bandits do not think like normal people. If they did, they would not be carrying out such acts. Protests at this moment may only fuel their ego. We are doing everything possible, and this is the time for all of us to work together rather than apportion blame.”
The governor expressed confidence that the victims would be rescued, adding that divine intervention is also crucial.
“Only God can touch their hearts. We are making every effort to bring back our children and their teachers safely,” he said.
Makinde also congratulated Mrs. Oni on her 60th birthday and successful retirement after 34 years in the civil service, describing her tenure as one marked by dedication, professionalism, and commitment to public service.
Reflecting on her appointment as Head of Service, the governor said merit, competence, and fairness guided the selection process.
“When I was appointing a new Head of Service, I considered qualifications and years of service. I had no personal interest. Public office is about service to the people, not personal gain,” he said.
He described the position as one of the most demanding in government, given the responsibility of overseeing more than 100,000 civil servants.
“Managing such a large workforce is not an easy task. Decisions taken by the Head of Service affect careers and livelihoods, yet she handled the responsibility effectively,” he said.
Makinde further noted that his administration had prioritized fairness and inclusiveness in appointments, ensuring representation across all geopolitical zones of the state.
He revealed that under his administration, the first Permanent Secretary from the Ibarapa zone was appointed, emphasizing that the Oyo State Civil Service belongs to all residents of the state.
The governor expressed confidence in the incoming Head of Service and suggested that Mrs. Oni’s experience would continue to be valuable even after retirement.
“Service to humanity does not end with retirement. We will still find opportunities to benefit from her wealth of experience,” he added.
Earlier in his sermon titled “The Prime Duty of Life,” the President of Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide, Pastor Samuel Oladele, urged Nigerians to embrace service to God and humanity as a lifelong responsibility.
Quoting Acts 13:36, he said every individual is created with a purpose and should strive to positively impact society.
“Life is a gift from God, and none of us is here by accident. We are here to serve God and humanity,” he said.
Pastor Oladele described Jesus Christ as the ultimate example of servant leadership, noting that true leadership is rooted in service rather than privilege.
“Whether you are a president, governor, minister, chief executive officer, or any other leader, your responsibility is to serve. Service is not a sign of weakness; it is the fulfilment of destiny,” he said
Speaking with journalists after the service, Mrs. Oni described her 34-year career as rewarding despite its challenges.
She attributed her success to God’s grace, professional training, hard work, and a willingness to seek guidance when necessary.
“There were rough patches along the way, but what matters is reaching your destination. Today, I have completed my civil service journey at the age of 60, and I am grateful to God,” she said.
Mrs. Oni said working under different governors broadened her experience and strengthened her service capacity.
She advised her successor to foster unity within the civil service and treat all workers fairly.
“My advice is to see every civil servant as part of one family. Carry everyone along, avoid prejudice, and always do your best,” she said.
She also echoed the sermon’s message that retirement should not mark the end of service to humanity.
“If God calls me to serve again, I will do so efficiently and effectively. Service should remain part of our lives for as long as we live,” she added.
Tribune
