L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; former Nigerian Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtrd.); and Capt. Paul Thahal (Rtrd.), during an early morning church service, at the Government House Chapel, Ekiti State... on Sunday.
Former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, has lauded the efforts of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi in developing the state; saying that Fayemi is indeed an agent of change, who should be supported and encouraged to do much more.
The former Head of State who said he was impressed by the massive infrastructure development activities in the state, particularly the various roads and the urban renewal projects and the huge investment in health and education sectors, urged Ekiti citizens to rally support for the Governor so that he can take the State to a lofty height and make it the envy of other States.
General Gowon, who spoke with journalists shortly after a prayer session for the Governor and the state at the Government House Chapel, on Sunday, urged Ekitis to support Governor Fayemi’s developmental efforts with prayers and also support him electorally should he show interest in seeking a second term in office.
The former head of state recalled that Fayemi was particularly prayed for at the “Nigeria Prays” programme in April 2007, when he contested the gubernatorial election.
He stated that though it took three-and –half years for the prayers to manifest (through his inauguration as Governor), the plan of God to transform the State through him is gradually being fulfilled.
“I have read a lot about the developments in the health and education sectors and I have seen quite a number of roads at various levels of construction going on in different parts of Ekiti. I have also seen quite a number of buildings that have come up since my last visit here. I am certain there has been a lot of development and progress in the state under Governor Fayemi’s administration. I must congratulate the people of Ekiti for giving him the needed support to achieve what he has achieved. And I urge them to give him more support so that he can do much more.”.
“I also expect that the support will be given should you desire to go for a second term, so that the state can witness more development”, Gowon said.
Speaking on the spate of insecurity in the country, Gowon urged Nigerians, especially Christians, not to be carried away in their worries about the ugly trend, but rather intensify their prayers till the country witness peace and tranquility. He added that their prayers, complemented by the steps taken by government will address the worrisome trend and bring the lasting peace that the country desires.
The former Head of State who worshiped at the Government House chapel, ahead of his Nigeria Prays crusade, in Ado-Ekiti, said he was optimistic that God will restore peace to the country.
Also speaking at the church service, Governor Fayemi said Nigerians must not relent in their prayers for the country as he expressed optimism that Nigeria would rise again. Fayemi who noted that the Nigeria Prays programme has a lot of roles to play in transforming the country, stated that the June 1998 edition of the programme was not unconnected with the restoration of peace that the country enjoys; saying that the tempo must be maintained for the nation to thrive.
While describing General Gowon as a compassionate and honest leader, the Governor commended him for his commitment to the existence and success of the Nigerian project; saying that he epitomises leadership that serves the people.
A prayer session on the peace and progress of Ekiti State and Nigeria was led by Revd. Dr. Moses Aransiola, General Overseer of the Gethsemane Prayer Ministry and national director of Nigeria Prays.
Last modified: August 19, 2012
