Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has called for a stronger partnership between government and the Church to raise disciplined, responsible and culturally grounded young people capable of providing effective leadership for Nigeria’s future.
Abiodun made the call on Sunday during the golden jubilee thanksgiving service of the Egba Anglican Diocese at St Peter’s Cathedral, Ake, Abeokuta.
The governor said while government was responsible for providing infrastructure, quality education and economic opportunities, religious institutions had an important role in character building, strengthening families and promoting sound moral values among young people.
He described the 50th anniversary of the Egba Anglican Diocese, which coincides with Ogun State’s own 50th anniversary, as an opportunity to reflect on the state’s development and renew efforts towards building a peaceful, prosperous and united society.
Abiodun said development should not be measured solely by physical infrastructure, stressing the need for sustained investment in human capital and character development.
He also cautioned against allowing advances in technology and artificial intelligence to undermine values such as truth, wisdom, conscience and responsibility.
“The future we seek to build must be a future where technological advancement is matched by moral advancement; where artificial intelligence does not replace human wisdom, conscience and responsibility,” he said.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to religious harmony and peaceful coexistence, describing the relationship among the various faith communities in Ogun as one of the state’s strengths.
He assured religious leaders that his administration would continue to work with faith-based organisations to promote peace, unity, responsible citizenship and values capable of strengthening families and communities.
As part of the anniversary activities, Abiodun unveiled a commemorative plaque for the six-storey Cathedral Tower and prayed that future generations would regard the project as a symbol of a generation that demonstrated faith, supported religious institutions and planned responsibly for the future.
Ndukuba urges Christians to embrace divine calling
In his sermon, titled “The Call Like Moses and the Strength Like Caleb”, the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, urged Christians to respond to God’s calling with renewed commitment, courage and strength.
Ndukuba described the jubilee as a celebration of God’s faithfulness and praised the Anglican Church for its contributions to education, enlightenment and social development.
The thanksgiving service was attended by several dignitaries, including the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide; Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi; former Chief of Staff, Toyin Taiwo; and the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo.
A major highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the Distinguished Benefactor of Egba Anglican Diocese Award to Abiodun in recognition of his support for the diocese.
Presenting the jubilee award, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Michael Aremu Gbadebo, commended the governor for his contributions to the development of Ogun State.
The monarch said Abiodun’s administration had made significant progress in areas including housing and industrialisation, while also praising what he described as the transformation of Abeokuta and other parts of the state.
Abiodun’s participation in the celebration underscored his administration’s emphasis on collaboration with religious institutions in pursuing its broader objectives of infrastructure development, education, human capital development, peace and responsible citizenship.
