Religious bodies have been called upon to continuously work hand in hand, in order to present a united front towards defeating sundry challenges confronting the country, as an institution responsible for mass mobilisation and socialisation.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, made the call at the 40th thanksgiving anniversary of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), at the Church’s Cathedral, Onikolobo, Abeokuta.

Represented by the Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, the Governor recognised the importance of partnering with faith-based organisations in achieving developmental goals, while pledging continued support and collaboration with religious bodies to keep promoting economic growth, social justice and ethical practices.

“We are aware of the pivotal role being played by religious bodies in promoting economic development, particularly to the disadvantaged and vulnerable segment of the society. The social services being provided by your organisation have improved the lives of many and this effort is in tandem with the motives behind the successful implementation of the ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda of our administration”, the Governor said.

Abiodun said, these institutions must continue to complement the efforts of the government to tackle corruption, anti-social behaviours among the youth, as well as divisive tendencies between opinion leaders, while the church must project itself as the conscience of the society, so that the country would remain on the path of socio-economic development and prosperity.

While congratulating Pioneer Pastor of the Church, Bishop Reuben Olu Oke, the Church Council, Ordained Priests and all members for their dedications to the gospel in the last four decades, the Governor said the steadfastness was a testament to the transformative power of God's love and grace upon them, while advising them to continue to fuel the growth of souls that have been touched and transformed.

“No doubt the church has not only been a place of worship but also a platform for empowerment, reconciliation and transformation. It has served as a refuge for the weary, a source of strength for the weak and a place of hope for the hopeless. Our administration appreciates the positive impact that Faith-Based Organisations like TREM have on the wellbeing of our people”, the Governor said.

Recounting the experience tagged “So Far, So Memorable”, the Pioneer Pastor, Bishop Reuben Oke, appreciated God for the take-off of the Church with less than 30 members, which had grown in leaps and bounds today, describing the journey as hard, rough and tough.

He appreciated members, friends and family for the unwavering support, commitment and steadfastness at bringing the church to where it is today and called for more intensified efforts, as the journey was still ongoing with more set goals to achieve.

In his sermon, the Resident Pastor, TREM, Akure, Rev. Dr. Adesina Makanjuola recounted all challenges they surmounted in the course of building the church and charged the congregation to always be thankful to God, saying the journey of 40 years was no small feat.

In his address, the Resident Pastor, TREM, Onikolobo Abeokuta, Rev. Segun Adenowo, said the church had witnessed the fulfillment of the first part of the vision, which was to raise leaders in the Body of Christ, assuring that all hands are on deck to attain the glorious future.

Highlight of the anniversary was a session of thanksgiving led by the representative of the Governor, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, who was joined by the Body of Permanent Secretaries and other top Civil Servants in the State.