Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has called on Nigerians across all walks of life to contribute their quota to the transformation of the country, insisting that the task of national development should not be left in the hands of politicians alone.
The governor made this remark on Thursday during the burial and thanksgiving service for the late Chief (Mrs) Florence Adeola Adeoye (née Latinwo), held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Yemetu, Ibadan.
Speaking at the service, Governor Makinde extolled the virtues of the late matriarch, whom he described as a strong influence on his upbringing and personal development. He noted that her passing at the age of 85, while painful, calls for thanksgiving for a life well spent.
According to the governor, Mama Adeoye was one of the last of the generation that moulded his character during his formative years in the Yemetu area of Ibadan.
“I grew up in this neighbourhood. So, whatever I turned out to be today is, in part, a product of this environment,” Makinde said. “Mama Adeoye was very close to my biological mother and was one of the women who influenced my life. She lived well and left behind a legacy of honour and values.”
He stated that the sermon delivered at the service resonated deeply with him, especially the call for all Nigerians to play their roles in salvaging the nation.
“Everyone has a role to play in putting Nigeria back on track,” Makinde noted. “You get the kind of leaders you deserve. So, it is not about politicians alone—it’s about collective responsibility.”
In honour of the late Chief Adeoye, Governor Makinde announced the donation of a new musical organ to St. Paul’s Church on behalf of Mama’s children.
Earlier in his sermon, the Vicar of the Church, Venerable Festus Omowole, commended Governor Makinde for his transformative governance and the improved security architecture in Oyo State. He urged Nigerians to live with the fear of God and to remain mindful of their spiritual end.
The service was attended by a host of dignitaries, including former Governor Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Chief (Mrs) Mutiat Ladoja, Chief Bayo Lawal (Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties), Revd Idowu Ogedengbe (Executive Assistant to the Governor on Administration), and Revd Femi Ibikunle (Special Assistant on Interfaith Affairs), among others.
