Abiodun Calls for Stronger Government and Church Partnership as Egba Anglican Diocese Celebrates 50 Years

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has urged for a better partnership between the government and the Church. He believes this will help raise disciplined, cultured, and responsible young people who can lead Nigeria’s future development.

Governor Abiodun made this statement on Sunday at the 50th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of the Egba Anglican Diocese. The event took place at Saint Peter’s Cathedral, Ake, Abeokuta.

He said the government is responsible for providing infrastructure, quality education, and economic opportunities. But he emphasized that the Church and other religious groups also play a key role in building character, strengthening families, and teaching moral values to the youth.

The governor highlighted that the 50th anniversary of the Egba Anglican Diocese is special because it coincides with Ogun State’s own golden jubilee. It is a time to reflect on the journey so far and renew the commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous, and united society.

Mr Abiodun pointed out that real development goes beyond just roads and bridges. It also involves investing in human capital and character development.

He warned that as technology and artificial intelligence grow, they should not come at the cost of truth, wisdom, conscience, and moral intelligence.

“The future we seek must be one where technological growth matches moral growth,” he said. “Artificial intelligence should not replace human wisdom, conscience, and responsibility.”

The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting peace and coexistence among religious groups. He noted that the respect among different faith communities in Ogun State is a major strength.

He promised religious leaders that his government would continue to work with them to promote peace, unity, and values that strengthen families and society.

During the anniversary activities, Governor Abiodun unveiled a commemorative plaque for the six-floor Cathedral Tower. He prayed that future generations would see the building as a symbol of those who believed in God and prepared responsibly for the future.

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 C Ndukuba, urged Christians to respond to God’s call with renewed commitment and courage.

Primate Ndukuba called the golden jubilee a celebration of God’s faithfulness. He praised the Anglican Church for its lasting contributions to education, enlightenment, and societal growth.

The thanksgiving service saw many important guests, including the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon Oludaisi Elemide, Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, former Chief of Staff, Toyin Taiwo, and the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo.

A key moment of the celebration was when Governor Abiodun received the Distinguished Benefactor of Egba Anglican Diocese Award. This award recognized his support and contributions to the Diocese.

When presenting the Jubilee Award, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Michael Aremu Gbadebo, praised Governor Abiodun for his contributions to Ogun State. He said Abiodun's administration has done better than previous ones in housing delivery and industrialization.

The monarch also praised the changes in Abeokuta under Abiodun’s leadership, pointing out the significant development in the state capital and other areas of Ogun.

The governor’s involvement in the jubilee celebration showed his administration’s dedication to forming strong ties with religious institutions. This is part of a larger plan to secure Ogun’s future through infrastructure, education, human capital development, peace, and responsible citizenship.