Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, on Saturday joined Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and other dignitaries at a thanksgiving service marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of Oyo State.
Obi, while speaking on at the thanksgiving service held at the Cathedral of St. Peter Anglican Church, Aremo, Ibadan, noted that Nigeria is not a poor country but politicians are its problem.
He also urged citizens to continue praying for God to touch the hearts of politicians.
“Please do remember we politicians in your prayers. We are the problem of Nigeria. No other person”, he said.
“Nigeria is not a poor country. It is poorly governed. Remember us in your prayer that God should touch our hearts to use public money for public good,” Obi said.
The service, held at the Cathedral of St Peter Anglican Church, Aremo, Ibadan, attracted worshippers and guests from across the state who gathered to give thanks for five decades of the state’s existence and development.
Obi further expressed gratitude to Governor Makinde for inviting him to participate in the celebration. He recalled that at the beginning of Makinde’s administration, the governor had invited him to speak at the maiden Executive Council (EXCO) retreat, where they spent a full day exchanging ideas on governance and public responsibility.
He noted that Governor Makinde has remained consistent in his approach to leadership, stating that beyond visible infrastructure projects across Oyo State, the governor’s performance continues to attract discussion and commendation among Oyo indigenes both within and outside the state.
He also commended Makinde’s address at the thanksgiving service, particularly his emphasis on building strong institutions and effective teams rather than depending on individuals. According to Obi, the governor’s focus on continuity, systems, and shared responsibility reflects a statesmanlike vision capable of sustaining progress beyond any single administration.
Obi further praised the sermon delivered by The Right Reverend Williams Oluwarotimi Aladekugbe, Bishop of Ibadan North, describing it as timely and profound. He said the sermon underscored the importance of thanksgiving not merely as a ritual, but as a moral discipline that fosters humility, responsibility, and service to the common good.
The former Anambra State governor concluded by urging the people of Oyo State to continue supporting the governor and to pray for divine guidance for those in authority, so they may work consistently for the welfare and progress of the state and its people.
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