Francis 'Jide MAKINWA

 

  On 28th September, 2025, St. Benedict Catholic Cathedral, Osogbo received a delegation of Osun State government, led by the Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Regional Integration and Special Duties; Hon. Nathaniel Adetona who represented Osun State Governor; Senator Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke on the occasion of Nigeria's 65th Independence Day Anniversary Church's service thanksgiving celebration.

  The Vicar General of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo; Very Rev. Thaddeus Ajayi, who represented the Bishop of Osogbo Diocese; Most Rev. John Oyejola (who was unavoidably out of the country), welcomed the representative of the Governor and his team. He saluted the courage, the commitment and the dedication of the Governor since the time God called him to the service of Osun State. He gave the sermon and later delivered the Bishop's address on the occasion.

   Delivering the address of the Bishop, he said the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo appreciates God for watching over our beloved country, Nigeria for the past 65 years. "We thank him for how far he has led us and we have faith in him that he will never abandon us," he said.

  The Bishop commended the Governor for his commitment to the development of Osun State. He acknowledged his dedication to the public service and leadership as his footprints are quite visible on the sand of time in relevant places.

  He said as a Catholic Community with significant number of parishioners and visible presence all over Osun State; major towns, urban centres, semi-urban centres and rural areas have respect for all legitimate authority and loyalty to the State is guaranteed with goodwill and prayerful affection.

  The Prelate said further that political authority does not derive its legitimacy from the top, it comes from the people in a democratic setting. It must therefore seek, at all times, the common good, not personal good. It is pertinent to point out that an essential element of legitimate authority comes from the credibility a leader establishes with the people he leads. Credible leaders inspire loyalty, fosters collaboration and drive possible changes.

  The Bishop reminded the congregation that the Catholic Church is always neutral on matters of political choice and platforms available to the people for the election of political leaders. However, the Church focuses on fair play, justice, transparency of the process involved in the choices that people make.

  He emphasized that all Christians share in the mission of Christ to stand for justice everywhere and care for the poor and the needy. In the same vein, those elected by the people to lead them are in a special way saddled with the responsibility of ensuring that the people in their care live dignified existence. It is pertinent to point out that those entrusted with leadership positions hold such in trust for the people, and as stewards responsible to God almighty who alone establishes authority, and gives to whomever he wants (Romans 13:1-3).

  Bishop Oyejola urged the Governor to prioritize the future of the youths; investing in their development and empowering them for greatness. We want to see agriculture flourish under your leadership, ensuring food security for our people and economic growth thereof. The health care in the State deserves good attention for people to be able to live healthy lives. Also, investment in education sector is a smart and fruitful venture, equipping the mind of our children for a bright and good future. Make a plan and state policy to absorb and take thousands of jobless youths off the streets in Osun State. You have so far done well, but you can still do better, the Prelate encouraged.

  In conclusion, the Bishop reminded the Governor that the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, which covers 70 percent of the land mass and geographical spread of Osun State would host the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria in August 2026 at St. Kizito Pastoral Centre, Ede. The Church would need the support, cooperation and collaboration of Osun State government for a successful and hitch-free hosting. He said the noble office of the Governor had already been officially notified of the occasion but still awaiting response from the government.

  The SSA in his speech on behalf of the Governor, appreciated Bishop Oyejola, the Vicar General, the Cathedral Administrator; Rev. Fr. Festus Komolafe, his assistant; Rev. Fr. Lawrence Afolabi and the entire Cathedral family for the occasion. He was full of gratitude to God for his mercy on Nigeria and especially on Osun State, when one reflects on the unfortunate insecurity, hunger, flood in some states in our dear country, Nigeria whose independent we were celebrating.

  He appreciated the commitment of Governor Adeleke to good governance and development of the State. For example, the government purchased new 70 tractors to boost agriculture sector in the State. On health issues, 332 maternity centres were renovated and equipped across all the wards in Osun State.

  Mr. Adetona expressed his faith in the government of Osun State that the government would soon work on the empowerment of the youths and on joblessness.

 In conclusion, he promised to follow up the request of the Church on the hosting of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria in August 2026.

  In the entourage of the SSA were Mr. Muniru Adeyemi Salimonu (Accounting Officer), Mr. Bola Akinremi, Mr. Aborisade Olusegun and many other senior officers in the government of Osun State.