Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has pledged a renewed commitment to the development of the state, promising to pursue programmes and policies aimed at improving the lives of the people, creating opportunities for youths and strengthening communities.
Adeleke, who spoke on Friday through one of his aides, the Chairman of the Governing Council Board of the Osun State College of Health Technology, Ilesa, Hon. Abayomi Adegoke, in Osogbo, said the commencement of his new term in office would not diminish his administration’s resolve to deliver meaningful development across the state.
The governor stated this while speaking at the 30th anniversary and GOMAN Week of the Gospel Musicians’ Association of Nigeria (GOMAN), Osun State Chapter, held at Union Baptist Church, Odi-Olowo, Osogbo.
He said his administration would continue to create an environment where individuals and organisations could thrive, stressing that the development of the state required the collective efforts of the government and other stakeholders.
“As we have commenced this new term in office, I assure you that our commitment to the development of Osun State remains firm,” Adeleke said.
“We will continue to pursue programmes and policies that improve the lives of our people, create opportunities for our young people, strengthen our communities and promote an environment where individuals and organisations can thrive.”
Adeleke also called on gospel musicians in the state to use their influence and talents to promote peace, unity and hope, noting that their responsibility extended beyond entertainment.
He described GOMAN’s 30 years of service as a significant milestone, saying the association had contributed to the spread of the Gospel, the promotion of faith, and the moral and spiritual development of society.
According to him, the anniversary theme, “Arise and Shine,” was a call to greater responsibility, impact and service to humanity.
The governor said gospel musicians had been entrusted with a powerful instrument capable of touching hearts, uniting communities and giving hope to people, particularly during difficult times.
He urged the association to continue discovering and nurturing emerging talents while supporting upcoming gospel musicians and using music to promote the values of faith, love, peace, compassion and service.
Adeleke further described GOMAN as an important partner in the development of Osun, stressing that the government could not achieve sustainable development in isolation.
He acknowledged the support and goodwill extended to his administration by the association during the recent governorship election, saying its prayers, encouragement and solidarity demonstrated that the relationship between government and faith-based organisations could transcend politics.
He urged GOMAN to sustain its partnership with the government and other stakeholders in the interest of the people, while encouraging its members to remain committed to their calling.
Adeleke congratulated the leadership and entire membership of GOMAN on the 30th anniversary, praying that God would strengthen the association, bless its members and grant them greater opportunities to fulfil their calling.
In his own speech, the National President of the Gospel Musicians’ Association of Nigeria (GOMAN), Evangelist Gabriel Adeyemi JP, said the 30th anniversary was not merely a celebration of longevity but a testimony to three decades of God’s faithfulness, preservation, grace, sacrifice and service by the association.
According to him, GOMAN had, over the years, provided a platform for gospel musicians to work together, promote Christian music, encourage talent and use music as a means of spreading the message of Christ to individuals and communities.
He commended the pioneers, past leaders, music ministers, administrators, patrons, partners and members whose contributions and sacrifices, he said, had helped to build the association and lay a strong foundation for its continued growth.
The GOMAN national president said the theme of the anniversary, “Arise & Shine,” drawn from Isaiah 60:1, was both a prophetic declaration and a responsibility for members of the association.
He urged gospel musicians to embrace greater vision, unity, professionalism and impact, stressing that they must move beyond the walls of their churches and become stronger instruments of evangelism, transformation and positive influence in society.
Adeyemi also reminded members that their calling was “bigger than entertainment,” urging them to ensure that their talents, conduct and lifestyles complemented the messages contained in the songs they ministered.
