Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has called for a stronger partnership between government and the Church to raise disciplined, cultured and responsible young people capable of providing the leadership needed to drive Nigeria’s future development.

Abiodun made the call on Sunday at the Golden Jubilee Thanksgiving Service of the Egba Anglican Diocese, held at Saint Peter’s Cathedral, Ake, Abeokuta.

The governor said while government was responsible for providing infrastructure, quality education and economic opportunities, the Church and other faith-based institutions had a critical role to play in building character, strengthening families and instilling sound moral values in the younger generation.

He stressed that true development must go beyond roads, bridges and other physical infrastructure to include deliberate investment in human capital and character.

According to him, the rapid advancement of technology and artificial intelligence must not come at the expense of truth, wisdom, conscience and moral intelligence.

“The future we seek to build must be a future where technological advancement is matched by moral advancement; where artificial intelligence does not replace human wisdom, conscience and responsibility,” he said.

Abiodun noted that the 50th anniversary of the Egba Anglican Diocese, which coincides with Ogun State’s own golden jubilee, provided an opportunity to reflect on the journey so far and renew the collective commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous and united society.

He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to religious harmony and peaceful coexistence, describing the mutual respect among the various faith communities in Ogun as a major strength of the state.

The governor assured religious leaders that his administration would continue to partner with them in promoting peace, unity, responsible citizenship and values capable of strengthening families and society.

As part of the anniversary activities, Abiodun unveiled the commemorative plaque of the six-floor Cathedral Tower and prayed that generations yet unborn would see the edifice as a symbol of a generation that believed in God, invested in His work and prepared responsibly for the future.

In his sermon titled, “The Call Like Moses and the Strength Like Caleb,” the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend Henry C. Ndukuba, urged Christians to respond to God’s call with renewed commitment, courage and strength.

Ndukuba described the golden jubilee as a celebration of God’s faithfulness, while commending the Anglican Church for its contributions to education, enlightenment and societal development.

The thanksgiving service attracted prominent dignitaries, including the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Oludaisi Elemide; Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi; former Chief of Staff, Toyin Taiwo; and the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, among others.

A major highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the Distinguished Benefactor of Egba Anglican Diocese Award to Governor Abiodun in recognition of his support and contributions to the Diocese.

Presenting the award, the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Michael Aremu Gbadebo, commended Abiodun for his contributions to the development of Ogun State.

The monarch said the governor’s administration had surpassed previous administrations in housing delivery and industrialisation, while also commending the transformation witnessed in Abeokuta and other parts of the state.

The jubilee celebration further highlighted the Abiodun administration’s emphasis on partnerships with religious institutions in advancing infrastructure, education, human capital development, peace and responsible citizenship.