Former Head of State and Convener of Nigeria Prays Movement, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (Rtd) has endorsed Governor Gboyega Oyetola of the State of Osun, describing him as Godsent.
Gen. Gowon stated this on Saturday while on a courtesy call on Governor Gboyega Oyetola at the Government House, Okefia, Osogbo as part of his visit to the Land of Virtue for the Year 2019 Nigeria Prays programme being hosted by the State of Osun.
The former Military Ruler who expressed his delight at the warm reception accorded him by Governor Gboyega Oyetola, equally congratulated him on the recent Supreme Court verdict revalidating his election by the good people of the state , maintaining that Almighty God made his assumption of office and subsequent revalidation of election against all odds possible for the monumental strides the State of Osun is presently known for as a result of good governance, to continue unhindered.
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The Nigeria’s Head of State between the August 1966 and July, 1975 used the occasion to announce Governor Gboyega Oyetola as the Chairman of Nigeria Prays in the Southwest, adding that his fellow brother governors in the region will co-chair the movement.
Gen. Gowon said Nigeria Prays came into being in the year 1996 out of his strong burden to champion intercessory sessions for Nigeria with a view to putting an end to every problem facing the country through a firm believe in unrelenting prayers to Almighty God.
He told the Governor that the movement organizes prayer sessions for the peace and progress of Nigeria, her leadership at all levels, and the well being of her citizens and residents, stressing that Only Almighty God can put a permanent stop to every security issue afflicting the nation, even when it seems her security forces have been overstretched.
General Gowon flanked by the National Vice Chairman of Nigeria Prays, Captain Paul Tahal, National Secretary of the Movement, Evang. Austine Kemie who led other leaders of Nigeria Prays across the country on the visit, and Osun State Christian Association of Nigeria (OSCAN) Chairman, Very Rev. Michael Okodua, who equally led other OSCAN leaders on the courtesy call, used the occasion to state that he was not the originator of the “Go On With One Nigeria” slogan, stating that the phrase which summarized his life as Nigeria’s Head of State only assisted him to be resolute in his vision and determined to fight for the unity and progress of the country.
In his remarks at the event, the Governor, State of Osun, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola described Gen. Yakubu Gowon as an elder statesman of repute, having lived all his life till date fighting for the unity and progress of his country.
The Governor who said upon receiving the information regarding Gen. Gowon’s planned visit to him, he insisted on welcoming him personally as a matter of duty, having carved a niche for himself through his consistent forthrightness to realization of the unity of Nigeria, a belief he holds in high esteem.
Mr. Oyetola said he believes so much in the efficacy of prayer, as evident with his “Ileri Oluwa” campaign slogan which in translation is “Covenant of God Almighty shall come to pass”, maintaining that he is a product of answered prayers, with an addendum that the coming to pass of Almighty God’s covenant in his life and that of the good people of Osun is a clear attestation of the fundamental veracity that his being Governor of Osun is divine.
Governor Oyetola who used the opportunity of the visit to inform the former Head of State that Osun is renowned and widely adjudged as the most peaceful state in the country, stressed that his administration is not leaving any stone unturned in his quest at transmogrifying Osun into an enviable state in all facets hook, line and sinker.
Present at the event were the Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola, the Deputy Governor, Mr. Benedict Gboyega Alabi, Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Charles ‘Diji Akinola, Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Abdullah Adeyanju Binuyo, State Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Ige, State Chairman of Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Comrade Amitolu Shittu and former Chairman of All Progressives Congress in the State, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi.
