The Ogun State Christmas Carol of Nine Lessons was held on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the Arcade Ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, with several dignitaries and notable personalities in attendance.
The event commenced with the first session anchored by the First Lady of the state, Bamidele Abiodun. The evening featured a rich array of carols and musical performances by individuals, groups and choirs, including the Olabisi Onabanjo University Choir, Yewa-Awori CAN Choir, Ijebu CAN Choir, Remo CAN Choir, Vintage Band, Tope Alabi, Laolu Gbenjo, Beejay Sax, among others.
A notable highlight of the night came during the performance by Laolu Gbenjo, when several dignitaries rose from their seats and moved to the front to display their dance steps. Among them was the governor’s mother, Victoria, who was seen dancing joyfully alongside her son, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The sermon, titled “The Best Gift Ever,” was delivered by Pastor Tunde Bakare, while the governor, Dapo Abiodun, concluded the Bible reading at the ninth lesson.
He went on to address the audience immediately after the reading.
In his remarks, Abiodun urged residents to embrace love, compassion and unity, while also remembering the less privileged during the festive season. He said, “Tonight, Ogun State stands firmly on that journey; from challenges into progress and from uncertainty to renewed prosperity. This remains one of Ogun State’s greatest strengths. Ours is a land of diverse cultures, tongues and traditions, yet we continue to live in peace, proving that there is strength in our diversity and that where unity thrives, progress follows.”
He added that beyond physical infrastructure, the true strength of the state lies in the unity, compassion and shared sense of purpose of its people, which continue to drive the success of government policies and programmes.
Dignitaries at the event included Deputy Governor Noimot Salako-Oyedele; Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako; Chairman of the All Progressives Congress in Ogun State, Yemi Sanusi; Chief Judge of Ogun State, Justice Mosunmola Dipeolu; Head of the Ogun State Civil Service, Kehinde Onasanya; Olusegun Osoba; Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in Ogun State, Rev. Emmanuel Adekunle; Chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, the Olu of Ilaro, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle; the Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo; the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi; and other traditional rulers and guests.
