By Banji Ayoola
Anglican Bishop of Owo Diocese, Dr. Stephen Fagbemi declared on Saturday that Nigeria needs a government that understands the economy, that will reverse the biting hardship in the country and tackle the prevailing insecurity across the land.
He made this declaration in a sermon which he delivered at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Imola, Owo at the burial service of the departed mother of Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Lady Evangelist Grace Bosede Akeredolu,
Charging the politicians to begin their 2023 election campaigns tours in hospitals, the cleric told them: “Go to hospitals and schools and see what Nigeria is like. I encourage you to go to the FMC (Federal Medical Centre) here in Owo to campaign and see what the future holds. The poor are getting poorer. Nigeria needs a change that will ensure safety and security in villages.
“We need a government that understands economy. Life is hard in this country. Let our leaders be careful to help us move things forward. The best place to start campaign is in the hospital.”
He said that Nigeria needs a leader that will ensure the security of lives and property of the citizens and as well eradicate poverty in the land and make a difference.
Fagbemi said the Lord was merciful and gracious to the throughout her lifetime, as he commended the Governor and his siblings for taking good care of their mother until her death.
He noted that life is not equal and it brings different things to different people, adding that it was out of the Lord’s Mercy that their mother lived up to the ripe age of 90 years before her passage.
Noting that nothing is as certain as death, he admonished the congregation to be careful about how they live their lives so that they can be remembered for good when they also die.
Akeredolu and his siblings, he said, should immortalise their mother because she lived a life of service to the Lord and humanity.
In his swift response to the sermon, Akeredolu said: “We have listened to your sermon. It was wonderful listening to the sermon. I will not contend with you but I know as politicians, we are doing our best. It might not be good for everybody.
“You should also say the things we have done. Continue to pray for us so that we will do our best. We will look at it. It is not that we are not trying. We have our shortcomings.
“We have crops of politicians in the South-West that we can be very proud of. Not all of us shall die. We shall be here when Christ shall come.”
He was optimistic that his Osun State counterpart, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, would emerge victorious at the ongoing disputation before the election petition tribunal, boasting: “Oyetola would regain his mandate very soon whether we like it or not. He is a man after my heart.”
Oyetola is challenging the outcome of the July governorship election won by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party’s candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke.
In his remarks, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari, said the life of the departed deserved celebration.
He said: “Today is a day of great joy. We have reached where we must celebrate one the greatest legacy. It is a time to celebrate Mama because of the great deeds. The life of Grace Akeredolu is a life worthy of celebration. She lost her husband at the age of 50 and lived up to 90. She brought up her children. She made a great effort at raising four boys
“She did very well indeed. We must thank God because not only did she bring up her children well but all of them are successful. What we must celebrate most is her service to God and mankind. We celebrate the life of a great woman, a woman who served God well and her community.”
He congratulated Akeredolu and his siblings on behalf of the Federal Government and President Buhari for surviving their aged mother; as he advised the children to sustain the good legacy of their departed mother.
On his part, APC presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu urged Nigerians not to give up on politicians, promising that his party would do better.
He said “There might be weaknesses and inadequacies in expectation. no one wants failure. You cannot give up on us. We will do better. We will contribute to the improvement you might want. Mama has given us the Grace of the day that she will not be the one to bury us. She had the greatest legacy of a life full of achievements.”
The earthly cloak of Grace Bosede Akeredolu, who died on September 15 in her sleep in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, was interred beside her deceased husband.
Akeredolu, the first child of the deceased, on behalf of his siblings and family appreciated everyone at the event.
In attendance among others were the Governors of Ekiti State, Mr Abiodun Oyebamiji; Ogun, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Lagos, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Osun, Oyetola, and Oyo, Engr Seyi Makinde, represented by his wife, Olufunke.
There were also former Governors of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi and wife, Erelu Bisi; Ogun, Senator Ibikunle Amosun; Ondo, Dr Olusegun Mimiko; Minister of Youth and Sports, Sunday Dare, and Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Olorunnimbe Mamora.
Others include Chief Femi Falana, SAN; Afenifere leaders including Basorun Seinde Arogbofa; APC National Secretary, Senator Iyiola Omisore; Chief Bisi Akande; members of the National Assembly; Minister of State for Science And Technology, Senator Olorunmbe Mamora; Ondo State Deputy Governor, Hon Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and wife, Oluwaseun; members of Ondo State House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Bamidele Oleyelogun; members of the State Executive Council led by the Secretary to the State Government, Princess Oladunni Odu; Ondo State Local Government Chairmen, led by the ALCON Chairman, Augustine Oloruntogbe; several Bishops both serving and retired; serving and retired Justices; Heads of security agencies in the state;DG DAWN Commission, Seye Oyeleye; members of the Bar and the Bench; captains of industry; political associates; technocrats; Chief Akin Olujimi, SAN; Titi Laoye-Tomori; and representatives of traditional rulers.
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