As the people of Oyo state and Nigerians as whole join the rest of the world in celebrating the commencement of the new year, 2023, the Aare-Onibon Balogun of Ibadanland, Olooye Adegboyega Taofeek Adegoke (FCA) has called on the people of the state and Nigerians at large to remain positive and hope for better days.
He maintained that the current social, economic and political challenges would give room for better times, if Nigerians remain hopeful and collectively work together to ensure a turnaround.
Adegoke, who is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Adegboyega Adegoke Resource Centre (AARC), said the New Year gives everyone another opportunity to take steps that would lead Oyo state and Nigeria at large to desired destination as a state and the nation.
He then urged everyone to live in peace and continue to strive towards peaceful co-existence and move away from any act that can cause disaffection among all the ethnicities irrespective of religious and political differences.
According to the Chairman, Accord Campaign Council in Oyo state, “I congratulate people of Oyo state, Nigerians as whole, who are today ushering in a New Year in an atmosphere of peace. While a lot needs to be done to increase the level of security in the land, revive our economy, gainfully engage our youths, the New Year gives us another opportunity to take steps that would lead us to our desired destination as a nation.
“The year 2023 is a crucial year to all Nigerians because it is a year of general elections. I, therefore, urge Oyo state people to make a better choice in electing reputable, credible and responsible candidates into various political positions and ensuring that they abide in peace without being involved in violence throughout the year, especially before, during and after the election.
“We should all distant ourselves from electoral manipulation in whatever form. I urge politicians not to be too desperate to be voted into power and get themselves involved in using thugs to cause chaos or commit electoral fraud.
“I want us to embrace 2023 with hope and the belief that Oyo state and Nigeria will eventually get to the promised land. We already have what it takes to be great as a nation, but we have to give every individual a sense of belonging and the opportunity to make the utmost choice and contributions capable of making us achieve desired goals”.
