Francis 'Jide MAKINWA

On Sunday, 8th March, 2026, the Governor of Osun State, Senator Nurudeen Jackson Adeleke was full of smiles and joy as he joined his political leader, Sen. (Dr) Olu Alabi at the thanksgiving Mass at St. Benedict Catholic Cathedral, Osogbo to celebrate with his wife, Barrister (Mrs) Margaret Abimbola Alabi who clocked seventy-five years.

 The entourage of the Governor included the Honorable Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly; Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun, Secretary to the State Government; Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, Osun State Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP); Hon. Sunday Bisi and many other dignitaries.

 Sen. (Dr) Olu Alabi, in his speech, appreciated the presence of the Governor and his entourage for honouring the invitation to the thanksgiving Mass for the birthday of his wife. He appreciated the Governor for the completed and the ongoing projects in all the local government councils in Osun State despite the fact that the fund for the local government councils in the State is being withheld by the Federal government. He called his attention to the impending hosting of the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria in September, 2026 by the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo. He appealed to the Governor to complete the roads leading to the venue of the Conference at the Pastoral Centre, Oke Gada, Ede on time and assist the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo to have a successful hosting.

 The Governor, in his characteristic style, sang Christian songs of praises and danced with the celebrant to the admiration of the people. He expressed his delight to be at the occasion of his role model, celebrating his wife. He appreciated the celebrant and her husband for taking good care of themselves and living the life quite enviable to many people.

  At the end of the Mass, Rev. Fr. Stephen Kolawole, welcomed the Governor and his entourage, friends and relatives on behalf of the Bishop of Osogbo Diocese; Most Rev. John Akin Oyejola, the Cathedral Administrator; Rev. Fr. Festus Komolafe and the Cathedral family. He reiterated the need for the support of the State in hosting the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria successfully in September, 2026.