Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has called for a deeper collaboration between government and religious institutions to address the need to build young Nigerians with stronger character, discipline, and a sense of responsibility.
Abiodun made the call on Sunday at the golden jubilee thanksgiving service of the Egba Anglican Diocese at St Peter’s Cathedral, Ake, Abeokuta, where he argued that physical development alone could not secure the future of the state.
The governor said government had a duty to provide infrastructure, quality education, and economic opportunities, but religious institutions also had an important role in shaping character, strengthening families, and transmitting moral values to younger generations.
He said the challenge was particularly important at a time when rapid technological change and artificial intelligence were reshaping society.
READ RELATED NEWS UPDATES
Abiodun said, “The future we seek to build must be a future where technological advancement is matched by moral advancement; where artificial intelligence does not replace human wisdom, conscience and responsibility.”
His remarks place character formation alongside infrastructure and human-capital development as essential components of long-term development. He said the pursuit of progress should not be reduced to roads, bridges, and other physical projects without equal attention to the values that influence how people use such progress.
Abiodun also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to religious harmony in Ogun, saying the respect among the state’s different faith communities has always been one of its major strengths.
He assured religious leaders that the government would continue to work with them to promote peace, unity, responsible citizenship, and values capable of strengthening families and communities.
The governor’s remarks were delivered during a celebration marking 50 years of the Egba Anglican Diocese, a milestone which coincides with Ogun State’s own 50th anniversary.
Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry Ndukuba, used the occasion to urge Christians to respond to their faith with renewed commitment, courage, and strength.
In his sermon, titled “The Call Like Moses and the Strength Like Caleb,” Ndukuba described the jubilee as a celebration of God’s faithfulness and acknowledged the Anglican Church’s contributions to education, enlightenment, and social development.
Abiodun also unveiled a commemorative plaque for the six-floor Cathedral Tower as part of the anniversary activities.
A further highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of the Distinguished Benefactor of Egba Anglican Diocese Award to the governor for his support and contributions to the diocese.
The Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, praised Abiodun’s administration for its contributions to Ogun’s development, particularly in housing and industrialisation. He also commended the transformation recorded in Abeokuta and other parts of the state.
The service was attended by the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide; Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi; former Chief of Staff, Toyin Taiwo; and other political, traditional and religious leaders.
