The Archbishop of Lagos Ecclesiastical Province, Most Revd Dr Michael Olusina Fape, has urged the Ogun State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate for the 2027 election, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (Yayi), to prioritise security, unity and the welfare of the people if elected governor.
Fape gave the charge on Tuesday while receiving Adeola, accompanied by other bishops of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) in the state, as part of his engagements ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
Fape, who doubles as the Bishop of Remo, urged Adeola to be a governor for all, irrespective of religious, ethnic or political affiliations, stressing that peace and unity were essential to the development of the state.
He said Ogun, as a gateway state with several border communities, required a robust security architecture, urging the governorship candidate to make the safety of residents a major priority.
Fape also called for stronger collaboration among the police, Amotekun, So-Safe Corps, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), local vigilantes and other community-based security structures.
On human capital development, the Archbishop urged Adeola to place education, healthcare, skills acquisition and youth empowerment at the centre of his administration.
He particularly advocated greater investment in vocational and technical education to equip young people with relevant skills and create employment opportunities.
The cleric further appealed to the APC candidate to ensure that development and government amenities were evenly distributed between urban and rural communities across the state.
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Fape also advised Adeola to surround himself with people of competence and character if elected, urging him to appoint truthful and committed individuals from different parts of the state.
He said religious organisations should also be carried along in governance, adding that religious leaders remained available to offer counsel and guidance when necessary.
The Archbishop reminded the politician that political office was temporary, but its impact could be lasting.
Responding, Senator Adeola appreciated the bishops for their prayers, counsel and warm reception, assuring them that his administration would promote religious harmony and work closely with faith-based institutions.
He further pledged that he would not let the Body of Christ down if entrusted with the leadership of the state, assuring the bishops that, if given the mandate in 2027, he would work diligently to deliver an administration that meets the expectations of the people.
The governorship hopeful pointed to his record of representation and developmental interventions as a senator as an indication of his capacity and commitment to public service.
Adeola also spoke about his ITESIWAJU Agenda, explaining that its pillars would provide the framework for sustaining existing development while expanding opportunities and improving the quality of life of residents across Ogun State.
The meeting took place in Sagamu and was attended by Archbishop Fape and other bishops of the Anglican Communion in Ogun State.