Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, on Thursday, assured residents that he will ensure a smooth and peaceful transfer of power at the end of his second term in 2027.
Abiodun said his government is determined to set a new record by handing over without conflict or bitterness.
The governor stated this during a Christmas service at St. James’ Anglican Church in Iperu-Remo, Ikenne Local Government Area of the state.
He said, “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.
“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.”
Governor Abiodun said his confidence comes from what he described as strong governance, economic growth and people-centred projects carried out by his administration.
He said Ogun State’s economy has grown significantly since he took office.
“Our economy has grown almost five times from what we met on ground,” he said. “Our budget has moved from about N355bn to over N2.7tr. New factories and industries are springing up across the state,” he said.
He listed some of his government’s achievements to include the reconstruction of over 2,000 schools, job creation, support for farmers and expansion of opportunities for residents.
“We have created jobs, empowered farmers and expanded opportunities for our people, and we are not done yet. We need your prayers to finish strong,” the governor said.
Abiodun also said he remains committed to using his position to serve the people and honour God.
He mentioned the Gateway International Airport and other infrastructure projects across the three senatorial districts as key legacies of his administration.
The governor praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying his leadership under the Renewed Hope Agenda is helping to stabilise the country.
“The country is gradually stabilising with improved availability of petroleum products, easing inflation and a more stable foreign exchange system,” he said.
Speaking on Christmas, Abiodun reminded residents that the season is not just about celebration but about love, peace and care for others, especially the less privileged.
“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.”
He added, “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 help the less privileged.”
The governor urged people to live Christ-like lives, celebrate moderately and avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
In his sermon titled “Christmas Is God’s Best Gift to You,” the Vicar of the church, Venerable Tolulope Akinwande, described Christmas as the season when God gave Himself to humanity through Jesus Christ.
He said the purpose of Christ’s birth can only be fulfilled when people accept Him, noting that Jesus came to save mankind from sin.
Ven. Akinwande also praised Governor Abiodun’s leadership and prayed that the final years of his administration would be even better than the beginning.
