Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has called for stronger collaboration between government and the Church in raising disciplined, responsible and morally upright young people who will provide effective leadership for Nigeria’s future.
Abiodun made the call on Sunday at the Golden Jubilee Thanksgiving Service of the Egba Anglican Diocese, held at St. Peter’s Cathedral, Ake, Abeokuta.
The governor said government could provide infrastructure, quality education and economic opportunities, but faith-based institutions had an equally important responsibility to shape the character and values of the younger generation.
He said, “The Church and other faith-based institutions have a critical role to play in building character, strengthening families and instilling sound moral values in the younger generation.”
According to him, the development of society must not be measured only by physical infrastructure, but should also include deliberate investment in human capital and character.
Abiodun also warned that the rapid growth of technology and artificial intelligence should not undermine human values, wisdom and conscience.
“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, who noted that the 50th anniversary of the Egba Anglican Diocese coincided with Ogun State’s own golden jubilee, said the celebrations provided an opportunity for reflection and renewed commitment to peace, unity and sustainable development.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to religious harmony and peaceful coexistence, assuring religious leaders that the government would continue to work with faith-based organisations to promote responsible citizenship and strengthen families.
Abiodun also unveiled the commemorative plaque of the six-floor Cathedral Tower as part of activities marking the anniversary.
He prayed that the edifice would remain a symbol of a generation that believed in God, invested in His work and made responsible preparations for future generations.
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 call with renewed commitment, courage and strength.
Ndukuba described the golden jubilee as a celebration of God’s faithfulness and commended the Anglican Church for its contributions to education, enlightenment and societal development.
The service was attended by 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, among other dignitaries.
A major part 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 award, the Alake of Egbaland commended the governor for his contributions to the development of Ogun State, particularly in housing and industrialisation.
The monarch also praised the transformation of Abeokuta and other parts of the state under the Abiodun administration.
