BY OLORUNFERANMI ODOFIN
The First work day prayer session in Ondo State has been held amidst mournful atmosphere at the governor’s office in Akure, Ondo State capital
Some of the attendees adorned their dressing with black arm band while others wore black attires, reflecting soberness and mourning in honour of all members of government who died in in the outgone year
Among those who died were commissioner for health, Dr Wahab Adegbenro, Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Professor Bayonle Ademodi and the Governor’s Chief of Protocols, Tosin Ogunbodede
Workers and political office holders at the annual prayer meeting which holds every first work day of the year used the occasion to intercede for the State and the country to progress and overcome numerous challenges in the new year
In a sermon entitled, “vision for development, “the Anglican Bishop of Akoko Diocese, Right Reverend Jacob Babajide-Bada charged Governor Akeredolu to improve on the state’s industrialization and health sectors to make his second term in office outstanding.
Bishop Bada who encouraged Akeredolu to be Magnanimous in victory also advised the civil servants to emulate Joseph in Bible who became a prime minister through selfless service and dedication to duties
Addressing the workers, the Head of Service, Mr Dare Aragbaiye appreciated Governor Akeredolu for prioritizing workers’ welfare and urged the civil servants to be committed to their duties despite economic recession and covid-19 pandemic.
Governor Akeredolu who read the only Bible lesson at the prayer meeting thanked the civil servants for being cooperative since he assumed office but urged them to shun politics
The Governor who described the death of some members of his cabinet as too many said year 2020 was full of many challenges especially covid-19 pandemic, farmers-herdsmen clashes, EndSars protests, kidnapping and banditry hence the need for religious leaders to continue to support government with prayers1
Some civil servants Mr Sunday Abel, Mrs Sola Obasina and Alhaji Kazeem Olaoye encouraged the state government to continue to prioritize workers’ welfare noting that to whom much is given, much is equally expected