Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has assured that his administration would continue to formulate policies and implement programmes that would bring succour and relief to the people to survive the hard times.
Governor Abiodun gave the assurance at a Christmas Service, held at St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area on Wednesday.
He acknowledged the current economic challenges in the country, but said his administration is working to ensure that the people surmount the difficulties.
According to him, his administration, aside from increasing the minimum wage, has also introduced free health insurance and free health programmes for the elderly, women, and children, a gesture which he said was geared towards making life meaningful to the people.
While calling for continued perseverance, he assured the people that they would soon begin to see the benefits of the bold and audacious reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration very soon.
“As a government, we remain steadfast in our commitment to fostering responsiveness. We are committed to ensuring responsiveness. We remain steadfast in inclusiveness where everyone strives. We will implement different programmes to ease the economic challenges and other difficulties our people are going through.
“Inclusiveness, to me, means that we will ensure that you have a voice. That is why you see us having Town Hall meetings, and that is why you see us when we are making decisions that concern you, like which road we should construct in your local government.
“I tell my commissioners to consult your House of Assembly members, local government chairmen, CAN, League of Imams, and traditional rulers so that our decisions can be wholesome. This is what inclusiveness means,” he said.
Speaking on the significance of Christmas, Governor Abiodun emphasized that it is a season of love, fellowship, and gratitude as it transcends differences as it provides the universal values of compassion, kindness, and faith, calling on the people of the state to prioritize the tangible gift of life over material gifts.
“Let us embrace the lessons of Christmas. As we move into the new year, let the power of kindness, the strength of community, and the hope of a better tomorrow continue to envelop us,” he added.
In his sermon titled “Joy to the World,” the Vicar of the Church, Venerable Shadrach Ajileye said the birth of Jesus apart from bringing salvation to mankind, also brought good news, hope of eternal life, redemption, joy and happiness.
His birth, the Venerable noted, is God’s highest gift to mankind, emphasizing the need for Christians to live in peace with all manner of people and extend the hands of fellowship to all at this festive period.
He lauded the governor for constructing the Sagamu-Iperu-Saapade road and the level of development that he has brought to the State, encouraging him to continue to lead with the fear of God and avoid distractions so as to end his administration gloriously.
Governor Abiodun read the first Bible lesson from the book of Isaiah, Chapter 9, Verses 6 to 7.
