Funmi Olaitan, Ibadan
Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, on Tuesday, attributed the unprecedented milestones of his more than seven-year administration to godliness, sincerity of purpose, fearlessness and blessings from God.
He said this while speaking with journalists shortly after observing the Eid al-Adha prayers at the Eid Prayer Ground, Agodi, Ibadan,.
The prayer was led by the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, AbdulGaniy Abubakri; and was attended by Aare Musulumi of Yoruba land, Edo and Delta States, Daud Akinola; Seriki Musulumi of Yoruba land, Yekini Adeojo; former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin; and Chairman, Muslim Community of Oyo State, Kunle Sanni.
The governor said his administration would continue to adhere strictly to the rule of law and exhibit the fear of God in all its activities, urging the citizens to also reciprocate by being law-abiding and alive to their civic responsibilities.
While congratulating Muslims on the occasion of this year’s celebrations, he stated that what was being celebrated was godliness and service to humanity.
He said, "What we are celebrating today is godliness and service to humanity. As the governor, I believe I have served humanity. Those who think we are wrong today will appreciate ustomorrow. We have been able to come this far due to our godliness, fearlessness and sincerity of purpose.
"A good leader should not only be able to envision, but must have the courage to implement the vision. A good leader takes his people to where they want to go, but a great leader takes them to where they ought to be,
"Experience has shown that anytime a leader or head of government wants to make a change, the enlightened, unenlightened, ignorant and mischievous people will plays politics with it. But a good leader must have courage to go ahead. We will forge ahead and not allow the state to become banana republic or animal farm."
Ajimobi stated that his government would not be deterred from doing what was right at all times in the overarching interest of the citizens and regardless of the opposition from the few who would preferred that we return to the dark old days.
The governor added that In the last seven years, his administration had performed very well by all standards in its restoration, transformation and repositioning agenda, stressing that the current administration had surpassed previous administrations in all ramifications.
According to him, despite inheriting a state fraught with brigandage, dirtiness, violence and other forms of lawlessness in 2011, God had been very kind to the administration to have been able to turn around the fortunes of the state.
The governor who attributed the success of his administration to blessings of God and support of the good people of the state, stated that his administration has restored peace and security in the state, saying the effort had positioned the state as one of the safest in the country.
"Today, everybody can go through Iwo road, Beere and other notable hot spots in the state without entertaining any fear. All these areas are now green areas. So, peace and security we have achieved.
"We have built infrastructure. We aren't just constructing road network, but we also embarked on urban renewal projects. We are also modernizing old roads. You can also see the commendation we are getting from education, health and the other sectors", he stated.
The Chief Imam had earlier called on Nigerians to embrace the art of godliness and service to humanity in their day-to-day activities, asking them to move closer to God and remain steadfast in faith.
He said the Eid al-Adha celebration was about sacrifice and godliness, urging the people to imbibe the lessons of the festival, urging the people to use the occasion to pray fervently for the state and the nation, while continuing in their spiritual obedience.
