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Kazeem Awojoodu
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Sunday appealed to residents, family members and associates of the students and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of the state to pray for their safe release, warning that protests could complicate ongoing efforts to secure their freedom.
The governor made the appeal during the birthday and retirement thanksgiving service held in honour of the immediate past Head of Service of Oyo State, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, at the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Headquarters, Basorun, Ibadan.
Makinde described banditry and terrorism as serious security challenges confronting the country, stressing that kidnappers should not be emboldened through actions capable of feeding their ego.
“Our reality is that bandits and terrorists are at our doorstep. I want to encourage the family members of the children and teachers that were kidnapped. This is not the time for protest,” the governor said.
“The terrorists and bandits are not normal people. They do not reason like normal people. If they had reasonable minds, they would not be in the bush doing what they are doing.
“If we are protesting, we are fuelling their ego. We are doing everything possible. This is not the time to apportion blame or say it is the Federal Government, the State Government or the Local Government. If we all work together, we will bring back our children and their teachers.”
Makinde assured residents that the government was working tirelessly to secure the release of the victims, adding that divine intervention remained crucial in the efforts to soften the hearts of the abductors.
The governor also congratulated Mrs Oni on her 60th birthday and successful retirement from the civil service, describing her as a dedicated and competent public servant whose career was marked by commitment and professionalism.
Reflecting on her appointment as Head of Service, Makinde said the decision was based strictly on merit, competence and fairness.
“I had no personal interest. I am in government to serve the people of Oyo State. It is a call to service,” he said.
According to him, the office of the Head of Service is one of the most demanding positions in government, given the responsibility of overseeing more than 100,000 workers in the state civil service.
He disclosed that Mrs Oni emerged through a rigorous selection process and noted that her appointment also reflected his administration’s commitment to equity and inclusiveness across all geopolitical zones of the state.
“When I assumed office in 2019, the Oyo State Civil Service did not have a single Permanent Secretary from the Ibarapa zone. We appointed the first Permanent Secretary from that zone during our administration.
“We ensured that all zones of the state were fairly represented because it is the Oyo State Civil Service, not the civil service of any particular area,” he stated.
Makinde expressed confidence that the incoming Head of Service would sustain professionalism and stability in the state civil service, adding that Mrs Oni’s wealth of experience would continue to be useful even after retirement.
Earlier in his sermon titled ‘The Prime Duty of Life’, President of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Worldwide, Pastor Samuel Oladele, urged Nigerians to embrace service to humanity as a divine responsibility.
Drawing from Acts 13:36, he described service as the primary purpose of life and encouraged leaders at all levels to use their positions to positively impact society.
“Jesus said He came not to be served but to serve. If Jesus, the Son of God, came to serve, then nobody is too important to serve,” the cleric said.
Speaking with journalists after the service, Mrs Oni described her 34-year career in the civil service as rewarding, fulfilling and challenging.
She attributed her success to God’s grace, professional training, hard work and a willingness to seek guidance whenever necessary.
“There are rough patches and potholes along the way, but the most important thing is reaching your destination. Today, I have reached the destination of my civil service journey at the age of 60,” she said.
Mrs Oni expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde, the Oyo State Government and civil servants across the state for their support during her tenure.
She advised her successor to regard all civil servants as members of one family and ensure inclusiveness in the discharge of official responsibilities.
The thanksgiving service attracted government officials, religious leaders, civil servants, family members and well-wishers who gathered to celebrate Mrs Oni’s retirement and contributions to the development of Oyo State.
