Kunle Adelabu
-Charges Nigerians on Renewed Hope Agenda
The symbol of KOLUJO Movement, a campaign organization for the realization of the political ambition of Comrade Japheth Abolade Odesanya, for the Chairmanship of Ikorodu Local Government, has categorically stated that he can manage the council administration better.
Japheth, who spoke at the 2024 Professional Harvest at the Patriarch Bolaji Methodist Cathedral, Diocese of Ikorodu, Methodist Church Nigeria, Ita – Elewa, Ikorodu, where he was the Chairman of the occasion, also charged the congregation to believe in the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu.
The programme was themed, “Harvest of Divine Testimonies’ (Psalm 126: 1-3), with Rev. Ayodeji Akporien delivering the sermon.
The grassroots mobiliser, political strategist and journalist, thanked and commended the Church, for what he described as a rare privilege of inviting him to the event, and its impact in Ikorodu.
“I will take this opportunity to appeal to this congregation to believe in the Renewed Hope Agenda of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. That means that we must also sacrifice”, he said.
“But we must not give up the hope and once we continue in hope, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. I am certain that Nigeria’s tomorrow will be better.
“We have been privy to some policies and decisions that we know are capable of bringing economic development, so much so, at the end of the day, there will be reduction in poverty in Nigeria.
“Let us believe in the government of Asiwaju Tinubu. Nothing good comes easy and that’s why we are going through an excruciating moment, but I hope that there will soon be dawn of a new era of economic prosperity and development”, he assured the congregation.
While speaking on his aspiration, he called on the Church for support, while also assuring the congregation and entire Ikorodu people that he is better positioned to manage and administer Ikorodu Local Government.
“We will try everything possible, and with your prayers and spiritual guidance, we will come back as the candidate (Chairmanship candidate) of our party (APC) and thereafter, we will also come back as the Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government (wild applause from the congregation). I believe so because it is prayers that answer and not power”, he said.
“We are sure of our programmes because we can do it better and we can get it done in better ways. We live in Ikorodu and we are Ikorodu.
“Ikorodu is a great community and we need a hardworking, committed and dedicated person to oversee the affairs of the council”, Japheth said.
While thanking the Church for the invitation, the Chairmanship hopeful also assured the congregation that he will not take the rare privilege lightly.
He commended the Methodist Church which he described as the melting point for Ikorodu people, for its contributions to the development of the community.
“It is a rare privilege to be here today, and thank God the Almighty for His grace to be here today. I want to thank the Patriarch Bolaji Methodist Church, the leadership of the church and entire members, for extending this kind gesture to me, and I will not take it for granted. I want to say a very big thank you”, he said.
“I recognize our fathers in the Lord, eminent personalities, mentors and pillars. I recognize Agbaakin Ayodele Elesho, Sir Kayode Shoderu, Dr Ayo Ajayi and the entire harvest committee. Kindly accept our gratitude.
“This church represents ‘Kolujo’, (collection of the entire town people). This is a leading church in Ikorodu, and it deserves commendations for its impact on development of Ikorodu”, he said.
Japheth also stated that the school that was established by the Church, also gave him a good start in life.
“I am expressing my profound gratitude to the Methodist Church for giving that rare privilege of getting me elevated at the basic/elementary level which is the most fundamental. I attended the Methodist Primary School in Ikorodu”, he said.
“Going to that school which was established by the Methodist Church, gave me the rare privilege to get educated and I am thankful to God for that.
“This Church has brought development to Ikorodu; enormous development. We have great people that have passed through this Church and the primary school. I have also read the book written by Patriarch Bolaji (the person that the Church was named after) on Olodumare. He was cerebral and a great mind.
Further expressing his appreciation for the rare invitation, Japheth said:
“I was shocked when I received the invitation because I never thought that I can be invited to play such important role in the Church. Thank you so much”, he said”.
“I want to thank everybody on behalf of Kolujo, myself and family, we want to say that we will remain eternally grateful for this great church and its people. It is a big one and we feel extremely honoured”.
During the service, the KOLUJO symbol, Comrade Japheth Odesanya, other guests and different professional bodies, were called out for thanksgiving.
In the KOLUJO’s entourage were Prince Adebola Ajasa, Hon. Kazeem Orisan (Kalokalo), Hon. Hameed Owolabi, Director – General, KOLUJO, Tayo Odesanya, Hon. Fatai Atoloye, Hon. Olusola Dada Bada and Mr Abiodun Owolabi.
Among eminent personalities at the special service were Sir (Chief) Kayode Shoderu, Sir (Otunba) Ayodele Elesho, Dr (Sir) Ayo Ajayi, Chef (Mrs) O.O. Benson, Sir Soji Onafowokan and Chief (Mrs) Bukola Osho among others.
