Tinubu, Akpabio, Obasanjo, Osoba, others celebrate Abiodun at 65

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has praised Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun for notable achievements in infrastructure and facilities for the socio-economic development of Ogun State.

The President made this assertion at the Thanksgiving service to mark the 65th birthday anniversary and six years in office of the governor, held at the Cathedral Church of St. Peter, Ake, Abeokuta.

The President, who was represented by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, said: “Your leadership over the past six years has transformed the entirety of Ogun State into a model of progress marked by notable advancements in infrastructure, social welfare, education, youth empowerment, agriculture, and food security.

“Through transparent and inclusive governance, you have fostered innovation, stability, and sustainable development, reflected in Ogun State’s rising profile as a leading destination for investment and a state with steadily growing Internally Generated Revenue.

“I commend your unwavering commitment to public service and to the advancement of our great nation; your leadership remains a pillar of strength in our collective pursuit of national renewal and prosperity.”

Senator Akpabio, in his personal message, commended Abiodun for his developmental strides, stating that the governor has translated his vision into reality.

“I was a bit scared when I landed today at the airport because I thought I would remain in history as the best-ever governor Nigeria has produced, but seeing what is happening here, it looks like people are trying to beat my record,” he said.

“But I think it is good; the competition is good. I thought I was an uncommon governor, but I have come to see an uncommon state.

“We thank you for the support you have given to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and we thank you for mobilizing all the governors of Southern Nigeria to line up behind the President.”

In his address, Abiodun said the day provided him the opportunity to celebrate his 65th birthday, six years in office, and the closing of the National Sports Festival.

“The journey has been one of grace, learning, testing, triumphs, and a constant reminder that we are a vessel in the hands of the Almighty God,” he said.

He recalled May 29, 2019, as “when everything was cloudy; today, with the help of the Almighty God, I can see the rain is gone. God indeed has used me and my team, despite all odds, in repositioning this great state, and I’m indeed humbled and grateful for how God has turned my dreams into realities.

“He has made my mission possible and my visions into testimonies. He has been so good to me.”

Abiodun used the occasion to rededicate himself to lead with humility, vision, courage, and compassion, calling for continued prayers to enable him to succeed.

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, commended the governor for his developmental strides, describing the governor’s 65th birthday as a day of joy.

Former governor of the state, Chief Olusegun Osoba, described the infrastructural development the state has witnessed in the last six years as tremendous, noting that the governor has been able to fix major roads and provide other essentials to the people of the state.

Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Oludotun Aremu Gbadebo, on his part, said Governor Abiodun has touched lives in various ways, just as he has done in providing roads, hospitals, houses, and others, praying for the governor to end well.

The Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, commended the governor for reviewing the Obas’ law and taking care of the traditional rulers despite financial challenges, while the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, congratulated the governor on reaching the age of 65, describing him as a humble and fantastic human being.

In his sermon titled, “If It Has Been the Lord,” the Bishop of Egba West Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev Samuel Ogundeji urged the governor to always count his blessings and give thanks to God for his successes both in business and politics, saying many have aspired to be in his position but were not favored.

Taking his text from Psalms 124, verses 1 to 6, the Bishop urged the governor to continue to depend on God for direction and see his position as an opportunity to serve, admonishing him to be careful as life is delicate, beware of friends, and avoid distractions, as God has plans for him.

While emphasizing the need for the governor to do a self-appraisal of his stewardship in the last six years so as to know his strengths and weaknesses, the cleric urged him to work harder in the remaining two years, as all eyes are on him.