Debo Adeoye, Ibadan
The Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, Pastor Benjamin Olayiwola Akanmu on Sunday seeked unconditional support of everyone for the administration of Engineer Oluseyi Makinde to ensure the state regain its pacesetter’s status.
Pastor Akanmu stated this in his short message to the congregation shortly after he was awarded as the Most Distinguished Father of the year at the “2019 Father Abraham’s Award” organized by the New Heritage Baptist Church, Eniosa, a Mission Church of the Ibadan North Baptist Association in commemoration of the 2019 International Fathers’ Day.
He said “as we celebrate this year Fathers’ Day I would like to appeal to every good citizen and resident of Oyo State to give undiluted and unconditional support to the new administration in the state led by Engineer Seyi Makinde to record unprecedented success and improve standard of living of all. He surely needs our support to succeed as the governor in all sectors, including security and education that require urgent attention and also return the state to its pacesetter’s status.
Also, Pastor Akanmu described the emergence of Makinde as the will of God, he quoted bible to back up his claim ” the bible says – no king can emerge without the knowledge of God. And God commanded us to pray for our Jerusalem, and our Jerusalem is Oyo State and Nigeria, God even prophesied that those who loved their nation will prosper. By praying for Oyo’s progress or Makinde’s success you are indirectly inviting prosperity into your life.”
Pastor Akanmu however advised Makinde not to betray the trust and confidence that the good people of Oyo state have in him, “my advise to the people’s governor is not to disappoint the good people of Oyo State, religion leaders, his political leaders and associate. He should see all citizens of Oyo State as his subjects, irrespective of age, creed, political or religion affiliation, be governor of all and all. And ensure good governance with human face”, he stated
He also advised fathers to emulate Engineer Seyi Makinde’s father in children upbringing. “Let me share a story narrated by Governor Seyi Makinde to all fathers and also appeal to you to apply it to your way of bringing up your children. The governor said he was one day forced to ask his father – why are you so hash, tough, wicked to your children, but his father responded saying – I am not wicked but trying to give you good training and not compromising nor slack to secure better future for you children since you are four boys and one girl.”
The Pastor of the Church, Pastor Philemon Ajide charged all fathers to be available fathers to their children and emulate Christ, ” every father should make himself available to his children, wife, the service of God. As fathers, we must love our family unconditionally in our action, word and other areas. An available father must be ready to release himself for service; to serve means dedication, commitment, protection, honour, discover and develop their (wife, children) gifts, communicate, care, sincere.”
Baptist theme for this year’s fathers’ day is “Unavailable Father”, also given awards as “Outstanding Father of the Year” are Rev. Tunde Babatunde, Rev. (Dr) David Temitope Hambolu, Otunba Rotimi Ajanaku, Pastor Philemon O. Ajide. While the Royal Ambassadors of the church also presented Most Revered Father of the Year Award to Pastor P. O. Ajide.
