The State Government of Osun has said that in spite of the challenges that are facing the nation, God has been faithful to Nigeria, and to the State of Osun in particular.

The government also saluted the resilience and understanding of the citizenry during the austere times in the nation’s 60 years of Independence, 29 years of which Osun has been active.

Speaking at the thanksgiving service held in commemoration of the 60th anniversary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria held at Dada Estate Baptist Church, Osogbo, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola also commended religious bodies in Nigeria as critical partners in the nation’s journey, whose prayers and intercessions have helped the nation in difficult times.

Oyetola, represented by his Deputy, Mr Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, said  that part of the evidences of the faithfulness of God through the years has been in the ongoing efforts of the government to deliver sustainable development against all odds.

Oyetola said: “This day 60 years ago, we jointly committed to a united, prosperous and indivisible nation. Sixty years down the road now, we are still together despite the vagaries of a civil war, military intervention, economic downturns, political upheavals, militancy, kidnapping, banditry, youth unemployment and other social vices.

“In all of these turns and twists, God has been faithful to us as a nation and a people, and we are all here today to give glory and honour to Him who has created us and kept us together to fulfill His own purpose. The hands of the Almighty have been visible as we weathered the storm in these 60 years, 29 of which the State of Osun has been a critical participant.

“As you will all recall, as a government, we have always adopted proactive measures to governance to achieve the vision of our founding fathers and deliver sustainable development. We are providing adequate, equitable and quality projects and services for our people in all the sectors of the State, especially in the health, education, security, infrastructure, agriculture and culture and tourism.

“We adopted a novel approach to health by revitalising nine General Hospitals and 332 Primary Health Centres – one per ward across the State a little over one year in office, before Coronavirus challenged the health and the economy of the world.

“We convoked the Osun Economic and Investment Summit to revolutionize our economy one year after coming into office. This initiative is intended to transform our economy and make Osun the commercial hub of the South West.

“Despite the adverse effects of the Coronavirus pandemic on our economic plan, our collaboration with our investment partners has begun to yield dividends. In the last two weeks, we have flagged off two industries, the Osun Ethanol Bio-Refinery Factory located in Ayekale and the International Trade Centre in Dagbolu. The two ventures will generate 15, 000 jobs for our youths and significantly stimulate the economy”, Oyetola explained.

Oyetola further said that the post-Covid-19 achievements of the government are proofs that brighter days lie ahead of the state and nation, adding that the government will continue to ensure the security and safety of the people, deliver jobs to the youths, stimulate and transform the economy and enhance the welfare of the people.

Commending the citizens, Oyetola said: “I salute the understanding and resilience of our people in these austere and challenging times. The will of the people to forge ahead in these trying times gives hope and conviction that we shall come out of this gloom stronger and better.

“We have proved that we are stronger than these centrifugal forces and possess the capacity and resilience to come out of every challenge and build a united, strong and prosperous Nigeria”, Oyetola said.