Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has taken a critical look at Nigeria after 59 years of independence and gave a pass mark to the APC led Federal and State Governments despite the challenges being faced in the country.
Represented by his Deputy, Hon Agboola Ajayi at a church service to mark Nigèria’s 59th anniversary held at The Redeemed Christian Church of God at Oke-Ijebu, in Akure, the state capital, he said many countries have disintegrated with half of challenges being faced by the county.
The governor thanked God for keeping Nigeria one so far despite numerous challenges, saying the unity of the country is the greatest achievement of the government.
His words: “In spite of all the challenges we have faced as a people, it has pleased God to allow us to remain as one indivisible entity.
The Governor reiterated the resolve of the government to continue to deliver its mandate particularly in the areas of infrastructure, security and welfare of workers and the entire citizens.
He said ‘As you are all aware, many developmental projects embarked upon by our government have been completed and our people are already deriving the benefit from them.
“Our government is ever committed to fulfillment of all our electoral promises to the people in spite of the lean resources and the huge debts inherited from the past government”
The Governor said the APC led federal and state governments are committed to the unity of the country.
He said the government has renamed the Board of Internal Revenue, adding that the resources of the state are safe in the hands of the present government.
In his sermon, Evangelist Ezekiel Falade of the Gospel Faith Mission International, charged Nigerians to always appreciate God despite their various challenges.
Falade said Nigeria has a lot to thank God for despite all numerous challenges including kidnapping, banditry and insurgency.
Pointedly, Falade said “Despite all challenges, Nigeria will come out of the mess. We should shout for joy and be glad”..
Citing the book of second Chronicles chapter seven verse 14, the clergy called on Nigerians to go back to God as that is the only way the nation can be healed of all the ravaging problems.
The highpoint of the occasion was the special thanksgiving as the Chief Justice of the state, Justice Olutoyin Akeredolu led the congregation to praise God.
The event also featured a special prayer session for the nation Nigeria and the leaders as well as Ondo State.
In his speech at the 59th independence anniversary, Akeredolu regretted that the country has not got to where it should be since it got flag independence from Britain 59 years ago.
He said that the leadership of the country has exhausted all excuses for its underdevelopment 59 years after independence.
Also represented by his deputy, the governor said the task before the leadership of the country is to build a strong and viable economy that would generate a prosperous, progressive and dignified life for the good of the country and the State.
He said the country can achieve her desired destination with more hard work, enterprise, creativity and constant fight against corruption.
He said: “The nation is going through some challenges ranging from insecurity of life and property, poor welfare and other vices which are making lives difficult for our people.”
However, he said the foundations are being laid and frantic efforts are being made to solve all the challenges being faced by the citizens.
Akeredolu said the state government is collaborating with the Federal Government and Southwest states to map out strategies to stamp out banditry in the states.
He said his administration has procured 120 motorcycles and 20 Hilux buses to aid tackling insecurity.
He said ‘Operation Amotekun’ would soon be inaugurated in the southwest geo-political zone to tackle insecurity in the zone.
Akeredolu said that the government is doing everything possible to improve the economy of the State and ensure that the citizens enjoy a new lease of life.
He added that his government would fight corruption, waste, inefficiency, ineffectiveness and unpatriotic attitude of some people in the state.
