Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has assured residents that his administration will deliver a seamless, peaceful and rancour free transition of power at the end of his second term in 2027, describing the plan as a deliberate effort to set a historic standard in the state.
Abiodun gave the assurance on Thursday during a Christmas church service at St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu Remo, in Ikenne Local Government Area, where he said his government was determined to be the first in Ogun State’s history to hand over power without acrimony.
According to the governor, his confidence is anchored on what he described as purposeful governance, steady economic growth and people focused development recorded since he assumed office.
“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,” he said.
Abiodun noted that Ogun State’s economy has witnessed significant expansion under his leadership, adding that the annual budget of the state has grown from about ₦355 billion at the start of his administration to over ₦2.7 trillion.
He said the growth was a reflection of increased economic activities, rising investor confidence and sustained reforms across key sectors of the state’s economy.
“Our economy has grown almost five times from what we met on ground. New factories and industries are springing up across the state. We have reconstructed over 2,000 schools, created jobs, empowered farmers and expanded opportunities for our people. We are not done yet. We need your prayers to finish strong,” the governor stated.
He reaffirmed his commitment to continue using his office to glorify God and serve the people, pointing to projects such as the Gateway International Airport and other infrastructure developments across the three senatorial districts as enduring legacies of his administration.
Abiodun also commended Tinubu for what he described as purposeful leadership under the Renewed Hope Agenda, noting that Nigeria was gradually witnessing stability through improved availability of petroleum products, easing inflationary pressure and a more stable foreign exchange environment.
Speaking on the significance of Christmas, the governor reminded residents that the season goes beyond celebration and merriment, stressing that love, peace and compassion for the less privileged represent its true meaning.
“Many people think Christmas is about shopping or partying, but that is not what Christmas is about. Christmas is about love, loving your neighbour as yourself. There is no greater gift than God giving us Jesus to die for our unrighteousness,” he said.
He urged residents to live Christ like lives in their conduct and relationships, advising moderation during the festive period and cautioning against 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 God gave Himself to humanity through the birth of Jesus Christ.
Quoting from Hebrews 1:2–3 and John 1:2, 14, the cleric said the purpose of Christ’s birth can only be fulfilled when the gift is accepted, adding that Jesus came to save mankind from sin.
Ven. Akinwande also commended Governor Abiodun for what he described as purposeful and transformative leadership in Ogun State, praying that the end of his tenure would surpass its beginning.
