Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, has attributed his administration’s achievements in the last four years and the remarkable peaceful atmosphere that characterized his re- election for another term during the June 20 election to the grace of God.
The Governor stated this on Friday when he led Ekiti people in an Eight-Hour special praise session tagged “8 Hour Sacrifice of Praise” organized as part of activities held to usher in his second term administration.
The Governor spoke just as frontline Gospel artistes including Nathaniel Bassey, BJ Sax Yinka Alaseyori and the National Praise Team of the Redeemed Christian Church of God stormed Ado- Ekiti for the marathon eight hours of praise.
Other artistes at the event include Biola Ojuawo, Deborah Ajayi, Bola Discovery Tolu Sax, the Gratitude Tribe and several church choirs.
The event was attended by his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Wife of the Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamide, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, members of the State House of Assembly and State Executive Council, MD/ CEO of Premium Trust Bank, Dr Emmanuel Emefienim and royal Fathers, among others.
Addressing the large congregation of worshipers, government officials, political leaders, and other Ekiti people at the event, Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to God for his faithfulness to Ekiti State, noting that the remarkable journey of his administration over the last four years were clear evidence of divine grace.
“I actually don’t have much to say today other than to explain the reason I chose to have this eight hour of praise worship to God. When they were crafting the programme for the inauguration, I told my wife that the only thing I wanted and that is extremely important is an eight hours of quality praise and worship to God. Four hours for the last four years and another four hours for the next four years.
“For those of you who know my story, you will know that it can only be God. I am not more than this, It is God that has made it like this, how I became the Governor you know the story, I never wanted to be Governor, I was not aspiring for it, I was the poorest among the contestants but God trusted me for it and I found myself at the seat and in the last four years God has shown Himself mighty and the least I can do is to continuously give thanks to him.
“Even when we were anxious about the primary and the main elections, God showed up, I emerged as our party’s consensus candidate and went on to win the election with a wide margin and in an unprecedented peaceful manner,”he added
While expressing optimism about the next four years, Governor Oyebanji expressed confidence that with God’s grace and support of the people, his second term would be far more impactful than the first.
The Governor said he will never be tired of giving quality praise and worship to God for His awesomeness and his manifest presence in the affairs of the State.
In his goodwill message, Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, applauded Governor Oyebanji for his leadership acumen and commitment to the people. He expressed confidence that his administration would record greater achievements in his second term.
Senator Bamidele described Governor Oyebanji’s decision to organise a praise programme to show gratitude to God on behalf of himself and the State is a reflection of his heart of gratitude to God.
While urging the Governor to remain confident and focused as he commences his second term in office, the Senate leader expressed optimism that the governor will not only consolidate the achievements of his first term but also surpass expectations.
Also speaking at the event, the Managing Director/ CEO of Premium Trust Bank, Dr Emmanuel Emefienim, predicted a more prosperous and glorious future for Ekiti State, maintaining that the state would experience greater achievements and testimonies during the Governor’s second term in office, having started on the note of gratitude to God.
Emefienim, who described the programme as spiritually significant, said the gathering represented more than an expression of gratitude, but a declaration of faith that would have lasting implications for Ekiti State and generations yet unborn. He said the gathering would serve as a lasting memorial for the state, adding that its impact would be felt by present and future generations of Ekiti people.
According to him, the eight hours of uninterrupted praise had set the stage for a new chapter in the state’s history by securing divine grace ahead of the governor’s second term.
“You have sent grace ahead of the second term. The best way to fight in the spiritual realm is to praise God even before the fight begins. I believe that the next four years, by the grace of God, will be better than the first four”, Emefienim said.