It was a soul-stirring convergence of faith and politics as former Chairman of Ejigbo Local government and a House of Representatives aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Kehinde Bamigbetan, on Monday hosted an inter-religious prayer session at Ejigbo, Lagos to celebrate the 74th birthday of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his own 61st birthday.
The program, held at the expansive Nnokwa Hall, drew massive support from community and religious groups, as well as political leaders from across the state.
Bamigbetan, a former Lagos State Commissioner and present Special Adviser to Dr Dele Alake, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, used the occasion to reaffirm his ambition to represent his constituency in the House of Representatives in 2027, expressing strong confidence in victory.
“Prayer remains the greatest force that guides destiny. By the grace of God, come 2027, I will be sworn in as a member of the House of Representatives,” he declared to loud applause.
The APC stalwart paid glowing tribute to President Tinubu, whom he described as a political mentor and visionary leader, recalling decades of personal and professional association dating back to the early 1990s at the National Assembly.
“I have known Asiwaju since 1992. Even then, he stood out as a thoroughbred politician. My political journey, including my emergence as Chairman of Ejigbo LCDA, would not have been possible without his support. Celebrating him is not just symbolic, it is necessary,” Bamigbetan stated.
He further charged Nigerians to believe in the possibility of a better nation, free from hunger and oppression, insisting that purposeful leadership remains the key to national transformation.
In a goodwill message, Chairman of the Editorial Board of THISDAY Newspaper, Kayode Komolafe, described Bamigbetan as a seasoned professional whose impact spans journalism and politics.
“At 61, his best years are still ahead. He has remained consistent in progressive politics and people-oriented leadership since his youth,” Komolafe said.
The event also witnessed a strong endorsement from the Igbo community in Oshodi-Isolo, as their traditional leader, Igwe Nkata Ukwu Ohazurume, His Royal Majesty Obikaenyi Exenwa, openly pledged unwavering support for Bamigbetan’s political aspiration.
“He is a true friend of the Igbo in Lagos. We will follow him all the way to Abuja,” the monarch declared.
Clerics from both Christian and Islamic faiths offered fervent prayers for Nigeria, President Tinubu, and all tiers of government, focusing on peace, economic recovery, and national stability.
Speaking during the intercession, Pastor Abiodun Isaiah Alake emphasised the centrality of divine guidance in nation-building.
“If God does not preserve Nigeria, peace will elude us. Without peace, leadership at all levels becomes ineffective,” he warned.
Similarly, the Chief Imam of Ejigbo Land, Dr. Mikhail Sanni, represented by Ustadh Ismail Al-Fulany, urged citizens to embrace good deeds and charity, noting that every act of kindness yields lasting rewards.
Other religious figures, including Alhaji Abdulfatai Shobajo, Evangelist Ademola Olaiya Olabisi, Prophetess Olabisi Awosanya, Rev. Dr. Paul Adebayo and Prophet Ade Adewuyi, led prayers for national unity and the success of the APC in future elections.
In a show of grassroots impact, Bamigbetan also distributed power generating sets to selected beneficiaries under his monthly empowerment initiative, reinforcing his commitment to community development.
The event underscored a growing synergy between faith, politics and community engagement, positioning Bamigbetan as a key grassroots mobiliser as political activities gradually build toward 2027.
