By Samuel Sunday
The people of Ado-Ekiti at the early hours on Saturday converged in their numbers at the Ewi’s Palace for New Year prayer, bringing together traditional rulers, government officials, religious leaders and residents to pray for peace, security and unity in the community and Ekiti State at large.
The morning prayer, organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), marked the formal spiritual opening of the year at the monarch’s palace in Ado-Ekiti, the State capital.
Addressing the gathering, the Ewi of Ado -Ekiti, His Royal Majesty Oba Rufus Adeyemo Adejugbe, thanked God for the peace enjoyed in Ado-Ekiti and Ekiti State, urging residents to embrace prayer, vigilance and peaceful coexistence.
The monarch described the year as crucial because of the forthcoming elections and appealed to the people to conduct themselves responsibly, support security efforts and continue to pray for the state, the country and the government.
Oba Aladesanmi also commended the state government for its performance, noting that Ado-Ekiti has remained peaceful without experiencing any major unrest. He further observed a significant reduction in food prices compared to the previous year, but expressed concern that farmers are now facing low returns and may become discouraged without government intervention.
The foremost traditional ruler in Ekiti therefore called on the government to support farmers by reducing the cost of fertilizers and seedlings, warning that failure to do so could negatively affect food production in the coming farming season.
Also, the Chairman of Ado Local Government, Chief Bosun Osaloni, called on residents to maintain peace and remain law-abiding as the state enters an election year. He warned parents against allowing their children to be used as political thugs and advised the community to be cautious of strangers during the election period.
Osaloni urged residents to cooperate with security agencies and support the state government, describing Governor Biodun Oyebanji as a leader committed to the welfare of the people. He stressed that sustaining peace during elections requires collective responsibility from all citizens.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Ado Central Local Council Development Area, Mr. Toyin Ojo, alongside religious leaders including Rev. Dr. Durotoluwa Thomas Adebisi and CAN Chairman, Rev. Emmanuel Aribasoye, charged residents to rely on God, avoid actions capable of disrupting peace and participate peacefully and positively in the electoral process.
