Ikoya Town, one of the most notable communities in Ondo South senatorial District was in festive mood on Sunday September 13, the D Day for the Thanksgiving service held by Senator Dayo Faduyile to thank God for his electoral journey, the victory that took him to the red chamber in Abuja and what God will help him to achieve for his people, going forward.
The attention was first at St Joseph Catholic Church, Ikoya which played host to a cream of high profile personalities who attended the Thanksgiving service. From the Traditional rulers from Ikale land who came to honour the son of one of their colleagues, Oba George Babatunde Faduyile, Adegun11, family members, political associates as well as other invited guests, the Catholic Church was filled to capacity to honour the man of the moment, Prof Dayo Faduyile.
The officiating minister, Reverend Stephen Omokoga who represented the The Lord Bishop Catholic Diocese of Ondo, The most Reverend Jude Ayodeji Arogundade who took his anchor scripture from Ecclesiastes chapter 27 noted that Senator Faduyile has set an example of how to be grateful to God after every promotion received from Him “Today Senator Faduyile has come to show gratitude to God by offering Thanksgiving to him because he understands there is virtue in showing gratitude. As a church, we recommend to him the need to bring development to Ondo South, we are confident that based on his antecedents as the president of the Nigeria medical Association, he will make the district proud”
He urged politicians not to be vengeful, display the spirit of forgiveness to one another and those who did not support or vote for their political victory adding that everyone of them should ask each other a pertinent question “What can they do for the people and not what the people can do for them always”
While addressing the congregation members, Senator Faduyile counted himself as favourably blessed by God hence he is offering the special Thanksgiving “It is worthy of note that after several attempts, God finally rewarded Ikoya/ Igbisin ward with a senatorial ticket. I am grateful to God for the journey of my political trajectory”
Prof Faduyile thanked the Governor of Ondo state, His Excellency Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa for making him a beneficiary of his goodwill saying that his support to him can not be quantified. He expressed gratitude to his predecessor, Senator jimoh Ibrahim whose advice he noted was helpful at the crucial time it was offered.
The Thanksgiving service featured Bible readings from the celebrant and his mother, Olori Grace Faduyile, communion session and Thanksgiving dance to God by family members, guests and the entire congregation.
There are profound lessons from the September 13 Thanksgiving service. By returning home first to thank God, Senator Faduyile was publicly acknowledging that the victory was bigger than his political ambition and that electoral victory is not a time for triumphant thumbs up but a mandate for service.
From his engagement with the minister of works on needed attention on the condition of roads in the entire Ondo South, Senator Faduyile is already framing his mandate around development, showing that the real test of the victory is what happens next after the celebration.
More importantly, Senator Faduyile by his own words at the Thanksgiving service in the house of God shows he is conscious of the transition of being a politician seeking votes to that of a public servant who will be accountable to the people.
