L-R: Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi; with out-going Archbishop of Ondo Province and Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, Anglican Communion, the Most Revd. Samuel Abe (Left); and his wife, Janet, during a presentation of a Toyota Prado to Archbishop Abe, in Ado-Ekiti... on Wednesday.
Shouts of ‘halleluiah’ and clapping of hands filled the air on Wednesday at the Governor’s office, Ado-Ekiti , when the state Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi presented a brand new Toyota Prado (Sport Utility Vehicle) to the outgoing Anglican Archbishop of Ondo and Bishop of Ekiti Diocese, the Most Reverend Samuel Adedayo Abe.
The gesture, according to Governor Fayemi is one of the little ways government and the people of the state could show their appreciation to the cleric.
Abe who is retiring from office on attainment of 70 years of age, was at the Governor’s office on a farewell visit to Governor, accompanied by his wife and scores of other clerics.
At his meeting with the Governor, Bishop urged governors in the Southwest to lay good examples through good governance and positive impact on the lives of their people.
He commended Fayemi for initiating a social security scheme for the aged which is the first in West African sub-region under which senior citizens are paid monthly stipends.
Abe described the scheme as an example of how governors in the Southwest could lead the way for their counterparts in other parts of the country.
The cleric advised Fayemi and his colleagues in the Southwest to always put the welfare of the citizens first in whatever they do saying such would go a long way in improving the standard of living of voters who elected them into office.
Acknowledging the fact that it is not easy to be a governor in a state like Ekiti, Abe urged Fayemi to remain focused in his bid to turn around the fortunes of the state in the key sectors.
The retiring bishop enjoined the people of the state to always assist the Fayemi administration with prayers to ensure overall development, peace and tranquility.
Responding, Fayemi described Abe who served as Bishop of Ekiti for 15 years as a pillar of support for him and the administration. He also hailed Abe for always speaking the truth and raising his voice against oppression and abuse in the society.
The governor noted that the clergyman had never approached him to ask for anything personal favour but has always shown concern on workers’ welfare, contractors’ performance and pace of ongoing projects in the state.
Fayemi explained that his administration would always count on the counsel of Abe adding that there would be need for the cleric to be called upon to play one role or the other even in retirement.
“I thank you for consistently raising your voice against oppression and abuse. You are retiring but not tired and don’t be surprised that we can call on you to do one thing or the other for the state”, Fayemi said.
While presenting the keys of the Toyota Prado to Bishop Abe, Governor Fayemi emphasized that the state could not reward him for the services he had rendered, but that it was important to appreciate his numerous contributions to the state and his selfless service in God’s vineyard.
A visibly elated Bishop Abe, said he was shocked to the marrow by the show of love, adding that he had never been so appreciated by any individual. He prayed for more wisdom, strength and direction for the Governor, adding that God would continue to make the Governor and his team victorious.
Last modified: May 30, 2012
