The Bishop of Ijumu Diocese, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Prof. Paul Ojo says an Okun man will soon be Governor of Kogi state.
Speaking at the 3rd session of the 5th Synod of the Diocese held at Saint Paul’s Anglican Church Iyamoye, Ijumu local government area on Sunday, Prof. Ojo said the people of Okun land, the Yoruba speaking part of Kogi state, should expect more development in the area.
No one from Okun land has ever been elected Governor of the state in the close to 34 years existence of Kogi state.
The clergyman noted that the diocese, since he took over, has been praying for development of Okun land as the prayers has been yielding positive results.
According to him, the under development and poverty in Okun land is currently reducing with establishments of gigantic companies like Mangal Cement, and institutions like Kogi State University Kabba and others, pointing out that more will come.
He explained that the joy of the Okun people and indeed Kogi West is for the governorship seat to be zoned to the district, saying it will soon become a reality.
“You remembered when we were praying for a University, did it not come? You also remember when we prayed for big companies to reduce unemployment, has it not come? It is just a matter of time, our God will do it,” Prof. Ojo stated.
Speaking further, the Bishop expressed satisfaction with the present administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, stating that hunger and poverty have reduced since he took over the affairs of the state.
He noted that the diocese will continue to pray for Governor Ododo, appealing him to support the construction of Ijumu College of Nursing Sciences, Ogidi which will further train qualified health workers for the state and country.
Prof. Ojo said as part of an effort to encourage the study of science courses, particularly medicine, nursing and other science courses, the diocese is making effort towards sensitizing students in secondary schools across Okun land.
The clergyman attributed the high rate of youths involvement in internet fraud, also known as “yahoo yahoo”, to failure of government and religion leaders, as well as lack of parental care.
While urging Christian leaders to avoid prosperity preaching and focus on holiness, hard work and morals, Prof. Ojo enjoined government to address looting of the nation’s resources.
On the theme of the Synod, the Bishop God has chosen the people to be responsible and responsive to him, adding that all must play a role in propagating the kingdom of God.
