The Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has reaffirmed his strong belief in the power of prayer and his administration’s commitment to inclusive governance in fostering religious harmony across the state.
Governor Aiyedatiwa made the affirmation at the Alhaji Khaleel Fawehinmi Government House Mosque, Alagbaka, Akure, where Muslims gathered for a special prayer session and Jumat service in honour of the governor’s 61st birthday.
The governor, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Government House and Protocol, Dr Mudasiru Adegbeha, said he has continued to follow the sermons regularly and deeply values the prayers offered by Islamic clerics.
Aiyedatiwa noted that his administration believes strongly in the efficacy of prayer and that he has personally felt the positive impact of the continuous supplications offered for his leadership and the progress of Ondo State.
“As a governor, I listen to your sermons every Friday, and I truly appreciate the effectiveness of your prayers,” he said.
Highlighting his administration’s commitment to inclusiveness, the governor recalled that since the creation of Ondo State in 1976, Muslims were often excluded from certain state programmes.
However, he noted a significant shift under the current administration, with Muslims now actively invited and fully integrated into state activities, including opportunities for admissions and the conduct of official prayers at government functions, particularly during the first workers’ prayer of the year.
He also underscored his deliberate efforts to promote fairness in political appointments.
“Muslims can be deputy governors, commissioners, and hold strategic positions in government,” he stated.
He cited the appointment of a Senior Special Assistant on Muslim and Religious Matters, Alhaja Sikirat Idera, alongside the existing Muslim Welfare Board, as clear evidence of the administration’s commitment to religious balance and equity.
He concluded by stressing that these steps reflect his integrity and genuine desire to build a united Ondo State where all citizens, regardless of religious affiliation, have a sense of belonging and the opportunity to contribute to governance.
He offered prayers for Almighty Allah to continue granting the governor strength, wisdom and guidance as he steers the affairs of the state towards sustainable development.
In his sermon, the Acting Imam of the mosque, Alhaji Abdulwasii Yusuf, congratulated the governor on his birthday, wishing him many more years in good health, long life and greater achievements.
He stated that the primary responsibility of the mosque is to serve Allah and continually pray for the governor, all government functionaries, the state and Nigeria as a whole.
While acknowledging the governor’s achievements across the state, Alhaji Yusuf implored him to do more for the people.
The Acting Imam emphasised the need for citizens to continually support their leaders through prayers and positive efforts, describing such support as essential for peace and sustainable development in any community.
He explained that any subject who is not at peace with an established leader in a community would be better advised to leave such a community, noting that it is not wise to fight a leader.
According to him, fighting a leader unjustly is equivalent to fighting the Creator.
He warned that when followers harbour ill wishes against their leaders, it often leads to a change in the leaders’ good intentions, resulting in negative consequences for the people themselves.
He commended the governor for his remarkable achievements, particularly the reconstruction and rehabilitation of roads in Akure, which he said have transformed the state capital into a modern 21st-century city.
He also expressed gratitude to the governor for the appointment of Muslims into his administration and for the reconstruction of roads in Akoko, which have improved access and development in the area.
The Imam described the employment of over 2,000 teachers by the present administration as a first of its kind, noting that the initiative has strengthened the education sector and provided jobs for many citizens.
He further highlighted the economic prospects of the proposed ₦50 billion Ilaje seaport project being pursued by the administration, saying it would significantly boost economic growth and development in the state.
According to him, for a leader to earn the trust and love of the people, such a leader must be humble and relate closely with the followers.
He described the governor as a leader who has submitted himself to the people and consistently shown humility in governance.
Quoting from the Holy Qur’an, the Imam noted that because Allah loves Prophet Muhammad (SAW), He submitted him to the people and instructed him to forgive those who offend him.
He therefore urged the governor to always respond to offences with kindness and goodwill, saying, “Mr Governor, if anyone offends you, return good for evil.”
He concluded by stating that the complete recitation of the Holy Qur’an was offered to supplicate for Allah’s protection, wisdom and guidance for the governor, his family, government functionaries and the entire state.
The gathering of Islamic clerics observed the prayer session for the leadership of the governor, government functionaries and the state in general.
Dignitaries present at the programme included the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Muslim and Religious Matters, Alhaja Sikirat Idera; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties and Strategy, Alhaji Gani Muhammed Ajowa; and the Owo Local Government Chairman, Mr Ahmed Ibrahim, among others.
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