In a move to spread festive joy and alleviate hardship, the Ogun State Government under Governor Dapo Abiodun has distributed food palliatives to Christian congregations across the state. The initiative, carried out on 23 December 2025, targeted various denominations and communities, aiming to support the less privileged during the Christmas season.
Churches Laud Compassionate Gesture
Beneficiaries from multiple churches have commended the state government for its timely and compassionate intervention. At the Cathedral Church of St. Peter in Ake, Abeokuta, the People’s Warden, Mr. Ogunkola Titus, stated that the governor's action aligned perfectly with the season's values of love and charity. He described Christmas as a period for reflecting on the birth of Jesus Christ and caring for humanity.
Similarly, Deacon Afolabi Kayode of the Celestial Church in Ijaye, Abeokuta, found the gesture reassuring given the current economic realities. He expressed gratitude that the state government remembered the church and its members during a critical time.
Ensuring No One is Left Behind
The distribution ensured that many families would have something to celebrate with. At St. Luke’s Anglican Church in Oru-Ijebu, the Assistant Priest, Rev. Julius Adebayo, conveyed profound thanks on behalf of the Vicar. He emphasized that the food items would guarantee that no member of the congregation would be without a means to celebrate Christmas.
"Some people among us might not have had anything to eat this Christmas," Rev. Adebayo said. "But with this gift from the governor, coupled with the little support from the church, all our members will have something to celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ."
A church member, Mr. Thompson Sodipe Olusanya, also appreciated the governor for remembering the people during a difficult period.
Beyond Palliatives: Acknowledging Developmental Strides
Some community leaders used the opportunity to highlight the administration's broader projects. The Iya Ijo of Saint James Anglican Church in Iperu, Chief (Mrs.) Adetoun Oduwole, lauded the governor for responding to the plight of the people. She listed several development projects executed in the Oru-Ijebu community, including road construction from the Refugee Camp to Ibadan Road and the Oloru Palace Road.
"He also provided our Primary Healthcare Centre with ambulances, and our schools now have the yellow roofs we see across the state," she added, noting that the palliative distribution was a repeat of the previous year's gesture.
In Sango-Ota, church members Mr. Oluwaseun Okunlowo and Mrs. Mariam Adeyemi commended Governor Abiodun for his developmental strides across Ogun State. They appealed for sustained efforts in other critical sectors impacting people's well-being.
A Surprise and a Blessing Across Denominations
The reach of the initiative extended to various Christian groups. At the Independent Gospel Church of Christ Headquarters in Ago-Iwoye, Special Apostle Oyesoji Idowu Soyewo described the Christmas gift as a pleasant surprise, noting that such support was unprecedented from previous administrations.
In Iperu, Venerable Peter Akinpelu of Solomon Gbadebo Memorial Anglican Church called the palliatives a blessing, praying for the governor's long life and wisdom. Also in Iperu, Rev. Canon Roland Bello of Saint Silas Anglican Church applauded the extension of fellowship to Christians during the festive season.
Chief Jide Sosan, the Aro of Iperu, remarked that the intervention had wiped away the tears of many residents worried about celebrating Christmas. "Some people were thinking about how they would cook for Christmas, but the governor has taken away that worry," he said.
The Shepherd-in-Charge of Celestial Church of Christ, Oluwadamilare Parish in Sango-Ota, Pastor David Odugbemi, described the gesture as timely and thoughtful, stating it would greatly support families preparing for Christmas.
Observers note that this annual distribution exercise underscores the Abiodun administration's commitment to inclusive governance and compassionate leadership, particularly during festive periods, directly impacting the lives of Ogun State residents.
