By JKNewsMedia Reporter
ASSURANCES OF a seamless and rancour-free transition in Ogun State were given on Thursday as Governor Dapo Abiodun pledged that his administration would set a historic benchmark at the end of his second term in 2027.
He made this commitment during the Christmas church service at St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu Remo, in Ikenne Local Government Area where he told worshippers that his administration was determined to be the first in the state’s history to hand over power peacefully without acrimony.
“As we approach 2027, not only will we finish well and finish strong, by the grace of God this administration will hand over successfully to a successor,” the governor said.
He added, “It will be the first peaceful transition in the 50 year history of Ogun State. By God’s grace, I will sit down as your governor at my send forth ceremony and also sit at the swearing in ceremony of my successor.”
Abiodun said his confidence was anchored on what he described as solid governance, economic expansion and people focused development recorded since he assumed office as he noted that the state’s economy had grown significantly under his administration, reflecting increased economic activities and growing investor confidence.
He stated that Ogun State’s annual budget had expanded from about ₦355 billion at the inception of his administration to over ₦2.7 trillion, a growth he attributed to sustained economic progress.
“Our economy has grown almost five times from what we met on ground,” he said. “New factories and industries are springing up across the state.
“We have reconstructed over 2,000 schools, created jobs, empowered farmers and expanded opportunities for our people and we are not done yet. We need your prayers to finish strong.”
Abiodun reaffirmed his commitment to continue using his office to glorify God and serve the people through what he described as impactful and people-oriented projects citing the Gateway International Airport and other key infrastructure projects spread across the three senatorial districts as legacies that would endure beyond his tenure.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for what he described as purposeful leadership through the Renewed Hope Agenda saying the country was gradually stabilising, pointing to improved availability of petroleum products, easing inflationary pressures and a more stable foreign exchange regime.
Turning to the significance of the Christmas season, the governor reminded residents that the celebration went beyond shopping and merriment and said love, peace and compassion for the vulnerable defined the true essence of Christmas.
“Many people think Christmas is about shopping or partying, but that is not what Christmas is about,” he said. “Christmas is about love, loving your neighbour as yourself. There is no greater gift than God giving us Jesus to die for our unrighteousness.”
He added that the example of God’s gift to humanity should guide personal conduct during the season. “Some people give what they no longer need, but God gave us a priceless gift. In the spirit of Christmas, we must remember to give to others and extend a hand of fellowship to the less privileged,” he said.
The governor urged residents to live Christlike lives in thought, conduct and relationships advising moderation in celebration and cautioned against excessive consumption of alcohol during the festive period.
The Christmas service also featured a sermon by the Vicar of the church, Venerable Tolulope Akinwande, titled “Christmas Is God’s Best Gift to You” as he described it as the season God gave Himself to humanity through the birth of Jesus Christ.
Quoting from Hebrews 1:2-3 and John 1:2 and 14, Ven. Akinwande said the purpose of Christ’s birth could only be fulfilled when the gift was accepted. He said Jesus came to save mankind from sin.
He also emphasised that God’s love remained endless despite human shortcomings and urged believers to embrace the sacrifice of Christ and live transformed lives that reflected His character.
He then commended Governor Abiodun for what he described as purposeful and transformative leadership in Ogun State. and prayed that the end of the governor’s tenure would be even better than its beginning.
