By Olasunkanmi Akoni

A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos and Special Adviser to the Minister of Solid Minerals, Kehinde Bamigbetan, on Monday, hosted an interfaith prayer session in honour of President Bola Tinubu and Nigeria in general ahead of 2027 general polls.

The event, attended by party leaders, members of ethnic and youth groups, artisans, trade associations and religious leaders, was organised to mark the birthdays of President Tinubu and Bamigbetan, celebrated on March 29 and 30 respectively.

In his remarks, Bamigbetan, a former Lagos State commissioner and two-term chairman of Ejigbo Local Council Development Areas, LCDA, an aspirant, expressed confidence in emerging victorious in the 2027 House of Representatives elections.

He also acknowledged the support of President Tinubu and the traditional ruler of the area, the Ojon of Ejigbo, Oba Moruf Adekunle Ojoola, in his political journey.

“I thank God for the grace to witness today. I also appreciate everyone who honoured me with their presence. Each of you is a special guest. It takes sacrifice to leave your engagements to be here, and I am truly grateful.

“Prayer is the strength that guides one through life. Whatever God has promised cannot fail. I am confident that we will come out victorious. By 2027, I shall be sworn in as a member of the House of Representatives.

“When I realised that my birthday comes a day after Asiwaju Bola Tinubu’s, I understood why it has been easy for us to work together. I have known him since 1992 and 1993 at the National Assembly, when I served as Special Adviser. Even then, we recognised him as a thoroughbred politician and leader.

“He appointed me, and two years later made me Chief Press Secretary. Today, I serve as Special Adviser to the Minister of Solid Minerals. My emergence as chairman of Ejigbo LCDA would not have been possible without his support. It is therefore important to celebrate a man like him.

“We must build a new Nigeria where no one goes to bed hungry and no one is oppressed. That Nigeria is achievable when I am elected into the House of Representatives. I urge you to support my aspiration and spread the message that KOK is fit for the job,” he said.

In a goodwill message, THISDAY Newspaper Editorial Chairman, Kayode Komolafe, described the celebrant as a professional colleague with a distinguished career in journalism and politics.

“Since he ventured into politics, I have followed his trajectory closely. At 61, his best is yet to come. He has consistently aligned with progressive politics and the people since his teenage years,” he said.

Representing the Igbo community, Igwe Nkata Ukwu Ohazurume, His Royal Majesty, Obikaenyi Exenwa, described Bamgbetan as a strong ally of Ndigbo in Lagos State.

“He is a foremost friend of the Igbo in Lagos, and that is why they support him. We will follow him to Abuja and to the House of Representatives,” he said.

Prayers were offered for the nation, President Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the 36 states of the federation and all local government areas.

Christian and Islamic clerics led intercessions for national peace, economic stability, security, and the success of the APC in forthcoming elections.

Speaking during the session, Pastor Abiodun Isaiah Alake urged Nigerians to seek divine guidance for national preservation and progress.

“If God does not preserve this country, no citizen will be at peace. Without peace, leaders at all levels will struggle, and if Lagos is not peaceful, there can be no meaningful celebration,” he said.

He also emphasised the need for faith and courage, noting that fear remains a major obstacle to personal and national development.

The Chief Imam of Ejigbo Land, Dr Mikhail Sanni, represented by Ustadh Ismail Al-Fulany, urged attendees to engage in good deeds and acts of charity.

“Whatever good we do is ultimately for ourselves. Even if rewards do not come immediately, they will reach our offspring,” he said.

Also speaking, the Chief Imam of Jakande Estate, Alhaji Abdulfatai Shobajo, alongside Evangelist Ademola Olaiya Olabisi, Prophetess Olabisi Awosanya, Mama Victoria Fabusoro, Rev. Dr Paul Adebayo and Prophet Ade Adewuyi, offered prayers for the country and its leaders.

Under his monthly empowerment initiative, Bamgbetan distributed power generating sets were distributed to selected members of the community.