July 7, 2025

The Senior Pastor of Good Tidings Bible Church International, Dayo Olutayo has called for the abolition of the state of origin concept in Nigeria.

Olutayo, who made the call during his sermon at the church service to celebrate the “Outpouring 2025″ mandate on Sunday in Abuja, said replacing the ”state of origin” in Nigeria will promote national unity and integration.

The theme of the mandate is “The Re-awakening”.

According to him, unity is a fundamental factor that will boost progressive nationalism and make a nation great.

He noted that ethno religious differences is an issue in Nigeria, however, adding that, it is not insurmountable.

“People are tribalistic because they lack the understanding that we are one blood. Where languages were confused, that was when we began to have problems

“We have to find a way to ensure we understand each other. Let the traditional rulers be given responsibility to address certain issues.

“Once our ancestors are united at the traditional level, they will call their children to order.

“I will.propose that we should remove state of origin from our Identity Cards and other relevant forms, instead, home address should be used so that anywhere you are in Nigeria, is a home to you.

“That is the dream of our founding fathers. Just like the American Dream, our founding fathers also had the ‘Nigerian Dream’ which they wisely put in codes such as national flag, coat of arms, national anthem and pledge,” Olutayo said.

He further explained that the founding fathers of Nigeria came from North, South, East and West Regions of the country and had covenant with God and Angels.

He stressed that Nigeria is an Eagle nation like other influential countries in the world, adding that what can make the country is unity, patriotism and elimination of divisive factors like state of origin. (NAN)