Oyo state governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has declared that his administration needs prayers in sustaining its free, qualitative education policy in and across the state.
Speaking at the 60th anniversary thanksgiving of All Saints Church at Jericho, Ibadan, the governor specifically asked the people and the Church across the state to continue to pray for him and his administration on its education policy.
He emphasised that there would be no going back in his resolve to remain dedicated to the four pillars of the present administration in the state and that the people of the state should hold him accountable to his promises, especially on the education sector.
“I want to charge the church to continue to pray for us, because the challenges before us are enormous. We believe that with your prayers every day, we will surmount those challenges and deliver good governance to Oyo state. And one of the things you should hold me accountable for, which I also don’t have serious challenges on is the education sector. I stand before you and in front of God’s altar to say that in Oyo state, under my watch, there will continue to be free and qualitative education,” he said.
Continuing, he said, “I see Oyo state as a country on its own. Of course, in landmass, we are larger than over 20 countries in Africa. We are about the size of the country, Belgium. Yes, we do have limitations within the federal arrangement but we will do anything on our own for the benefit of Oyo state.”
“This is our own way to alleviate poverty. When people are educated, I don’t need to give them grinding machines and some palliatives politicians normally give out. I will give them education and they will take their families, future families out of poverty.”
While congratulating the All Saints Church and appreciated its members for their support during the electioneering, Makinde said “two years ago, I was here on this same podium. I was not the governor then, not even the candidate of the party. I was just an aspirant but they allowed me to talk to the church and they also prayed for me. Today, here I am as the executive governor of Oyo state.”
“When Most Rev Akinfenwa was talking, he said we have been doing everything easily. No doubt, since we came in, things we have been doing are the works of God and we give Him all the glory, honour and adoration. The award, for me, is a call to do more because we are just starting. I am not sure I really deserve it but I have accepted it so as not to cause any trouble.”
Bishop of Ibadan Anglican Diocese, Most Rev Joseph Akinfenwa, while commending the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde for taking special developmental strides effortlessly, stressed that his tenure was bound to usher in unprecedented development in the state and that the church would continue to pray for him and the state.
“We believe your tenure will usher in unprecedented development in Oyo state. I have been in Oyo state for the past 19 years and have witnessed the administrations of six governors but that of Governor Makinde is special,” he said.
