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OYO, Nigeria - Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, emphasized the necessity for a national rebirth on Saturday, highlighting the importance of providing youth with greater chances to engage in leadership and governance.
His remarks were made during a tribute to Rev. Moses Aransiola and his wife, Pastor Funmilayo Aransiola, who were celebrating their 70th birthdays and 50 years in ministry.
The governor, via a statement from his Special Adviser on Media, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, commended the Aransiolas for their significant contributions to the ministry and offered prayers for their ongoing success.
Notable figures paying tribute included former Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon (retd), the Soun of Ogbomosho, Oba Ghandi Olaoye, Ekiti State Governor Abiodun Oyebanji, former Ondo State Governor Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, renowned lawyer Prof. Mike Ozekhome, traditional and religious leaders, Pastor Adeleke Sanusi, and Senior Continental Overseer for Europe and Chairman of RCCG Board in the UK, among others.
Makinde passionately urged for a national rebirth, encouraging Nigerians to step out of their comfort zones to actively promote nation-building. "It’s good to be here to celebrate the honorees; I congratulate them both. May God continue to expand their ministry and guide the people onto the right path," he stated.
The governor expressed concern over the continuous cycle of crises, asserting that without genuine involvement in politics and governance from the populace, this cycle would persist.
Mimiko called for an urgent restructuring of Nigeria, cautioning that the current political framework poses a barrier to national development. During a keynote address titled “Nigeria: From Where Comes Our Help?” Senior Advocate of Nigeria Ozekhome criticized the rampant insecurity, corruption, and governance failures affecting the country.
He praised Makinde's leadership, particularly his security initiatives like the Amotekun Corps, which have significantly aided in safeguarding lives and property in Oyo State.
The event featured the launch of four books authored by the celebrants, along with the cutting of birthday cakes with them.
The Soun of Ogbomoso expressed his gratitude to everyone for honoring the Aransiolas, stating that they deserved the recognition given their milestone in ministry work.
Aransiola expressed thankfulness to God and the community for the celebration, noting that the event reflected God's faithfulness in their lives and ministry.
Chairman of the 70/70/50 program and Resident Pastor at Chapel of Life of the Gethsemane Prayer Ministries International in Eleyele, Pastor Adebayo Owoseni, Ibadan, deemed the occasion a tremendous success, asserting that the celebrants merit the honor due to their contributions to humanity and the Christian community.
