My political future in God’s hands, Omisore says



The immediate past National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Iyiola Omisore, on Tuesday celebrated his 69th birthday, where he declared that his future political plans have been left in God’s hands.Omisore’s next political move has sparked intense debate in the state and beyond, following his fallout with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, over how the last APC governorship primary was managed.It was also believed that the results of the August 15 governorship poll in the four local government areas in Ife, considered to be Omisore’s stronghold, which APC lost to Governor Ademola Adeleke of Accord, have further widened the gulf between him and some power brokers within the party.But the ex-federal lawmaker, who hosted a birthday celebration at his campaign office in Osogbo, which was attended by the representatives of the APC Elder Caucus and the political group of the current APC national secretary, Ajibola Basiru, among others, expressed joy over the manner in which his associates commemorated the event for him.The ex-Osun deputy governor, who further said he remained grateful to God for the gift of another year, however, refused to be drawn into making a definite statement regarding his future political plans.“I thank God for today, and I am happy about the large turnout of people who are here to celebrate with me. Today is the day of my birth. I give Almighty God the glory for being alive.“At 69, I count every year as a year because God has been so kind to me. My political future depends on God’s plan for me. I am in the hands of God. Whatever His plan for me is good,” Omisore said.Earlier, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Most Rev. John Oyejola, had lauded Omisore for not disappointing the household of faith, as he commended him for supporting church programmes.Related NewsFadahunsi celebrates Omisore at 69, hails his service to Osun, NigeriaOsun Speaker directs ministry to clear refuse across state2027: Barau urges aggrieved APC aspirants to work for party’s victoryOyejola subsequently charged him to continue to be a bridge between governance and the gospel, calling on political leaders in the country to work for the common good.“They should not practice ‘our people only’ politics. A good leader will introduce and implement policies that help everybody, rich or poor alike. A God-fearing politician can sit in the cabinet, in the House of Assembly, in the council, and still refuse to be involved in corruption and violence.“Christian politicians are encouraged to be in the room of political manoeuvring, and let the room feel the presence of God through them. Christian politicians are enjoined to bring the values of God’s kingdom into the political systems of our world, and refuse to let the systems of this world bring them out of God’s kingdom,” the clergy further said.Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, also felicitated with Omisore.Adeleke, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, said Omisore made notable contributions to the development of Osun through his professional career, public service and political engagement.“Today, I celebrate Otunba Omisore as a brother and a distinguished son of Osun. I wish him many more years of meaningful impact.“Through every stage of his remarkable journey, whether as an engineer, deputy governor, senator, traditional leader, or community builder, he has consistently demonstrated uncommon courage, wisdom, and an enduring commitment to the progress of our people.“On behalf of the government and the good people of Osun State, I congratulate Otunba Omisore on this joyous occasion and pray that Almighty God grants him fulfilment as he continues to inspire and serve humanity,” the statement read. Omisore’s next political move has sparked intense debate in the state and beyond, following his fallout with the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, over how the last APC governorship primary was managed.It was also believed that the results of the August 15 governorship poll in the four local government areas in Ife, considered to be Omisore’s stronghold, which APC lost to Governor Ademola Adeleke of Accord, have further widened the gulf between him and some power brokers within the party.But the ex-federal lawmaker, who hosted a birthday celebration at his campaign office in Osogbo, which was attended by the representatives of the APC Elder Caucus and the political group of the current APC national secretary, Ajibola Basiru, among others, expressed joy over the manner in which his associates commemorated the event for him.The ex-Osun deputy governor, who further said he remained grateful to God for the gift of another year, however, refused to be drawn into making a definite statement regarding his future political plans.“I thank God for today, and I am happy about the large turnout of people who are here to celebrate with me. Today is the day of my birth. I give Almighty God the glory for being alive.“At 69, I count every year as a year because God has been so kind to me. My political future depends on God’s plan for me. I am in the hands of God. Whatever His plan for me is good,” Omisore said.Earlier, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Most Rev. John Oyejola, had lauded Omisore for not disappointing the household of faith, as he commended him for supporting church programmes.Related NewsFadahunsi celebrates Omisore at 69, hails his service to Osun, NigeriaOsun Speaker directs ministry to clear refuse across state2027: Barau urges aggrieved APC aspirants to work for party’s victoryOyejola subsequently charged him to continue to be a bridge between governance and the gospel, calling on political leaders in the country to work for the common good.“They should not practice ‘our people only’ politics. A good leader will introduce and implement policies that help everybody, rich or poor alike. A God-fearing politician can sit in the cabinet, in the House of Assembly, in the council, and still refuse to be involved in corruption and violence.“Christian politicians are encouraged to be in the room of political manoeuvring, and let the room feel the presence of God through them. Christian politicians are enjoined to bring the values of God’s kingdom into the political systems of our world, and refuse to let the systems of this world bring them out of God’s kingdom,” the clergy further said.Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, also felicitated with Omisore.Adeleke, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, said Omisore made notable contributions to the development of Osun through his professional career, public service and political engagement.“Today, I celebrate Otunba Omisore as a brother and a distinguished son of Osun. I wish him many more years of meaningful impact.“Through every stage of his remarkable journey, whether as an engineer, deputy governor, senator, traditional leader, or community builder, he has consistently demonstrated uncommon courage, wisdom, and an enduring commitment to the progress of our people.“On behalf of the government and the good people of Osun State, I congratulate Otunba Omisore on this joyous occasion and pray that Almighty God grants him fulfilment as he continues to inspire and serve humanity,” the statement read. It was also believed that the results of the August 15 governorship poll in the four local government areas in Ife, considered to be Omisore’s stronghold, which APC lost to Governor Ademola Adeleke of Accord, have further widened the gulf between him and some power brokers within the party.But the ex-federal lawmaker, who hosted a birthday celebration at his campaign office in Osogbo, which was attended by the representatives of the APC Elder Caucus and the political group of the current APC national secretary, Ajibola Basiru, among others, expressed joy over the manner in which his associates commemorated the event for him.The ex-Osun deputy governor, who further said he remained grateful to God for the gift of another year, however, refused to be drawn into making a definite statement regarding his future political plans.“I thank God for today, and I am happy about the large turnout of people who are here to celebrate with me. Today is the day of my birth. I give Almighty God the glory for being alive.“At 69, I count every year as a year because God has been so kind to me. My political future depends on God’s plan for me. I am in the hands of God. Whatever His plan for me is good,” Omisore said.Earlier, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Most Rev. John Oyejola, had lauded Omisore for not disappointing the household of faith, as he commended him for supporting church programmes.Related NewsFadahunsi celebrates Omisore at 69, hails his service to Osun, NigeriaOsun Speaker directs ministry to clear refuse across state2027: Barau urges aggrieved APC aspirants to work for party’s victoryOyejola subsequently charged him to continue to be a bridge between governance and the gospel, calling on political leaders in the country to work for the common good.“They should not practice ‘our people only’ politics. A good leader will introduce and implement policies that help everybody, rich or poor alike. A God-fearing politician can sit in the cabinet, in the House of Assembly, in the council, and still refuse to be involved in corruption and violence.“Christian politicians are encouraged to be in the room of political manoeuvring, and let the room feel the presence of God through them. Christian politicians are enjoined to bring the values of God’s kingdom into the political systems of our world, and refuse to let the systems of this world bring them out of God’s kingdom,” the clergy further said.Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, also felicitated with Omisore.Adeleke, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, said Omisore made notable contributions to the development of Osun through his professional career, public service and political engagement.“Today, I celebrate Otunba Omisore as a brother and a distinguished son of Osun. I wish him many more years of meaningful impact.“Through every stage of his remarkable journey, whether as an engineer, deputy governor, senator, traditional leader, or community builder, he has consistently demonstrated uncommon courage, wisdom, and an enduring commitment to the progress of our people.“On behalf of the government and the good people of Osun State, I congratulate Otunba Omisore on this joyous occasion and pray that Almighty God grants him fulfilment as he continues to inspire and serve humanity,” the statement read. But the ex-federal lawmaker, who hosted a birthday celebration at his campaign office in Osogbo, which was attended by the representatives of the APC Elder Caucus and the political group of the current APC national secretary, Ajibola Basiru, among others, expressed joy over the manner in which his associates commemorated the event for him.The ex-Osun deputy governor, who further said he remained grateful to God for the gift of another year, however, refused to be drawn into making a definite statement regarding his future political plans.“I thank God for today, and I am happy about the large turnout of people who are here to celebrate with me. Today is the day of my birth. I give Almighty God the glory for being alive.“At 69, I count every year as a year because God has been so kind to me. My political future depends on God’s plan for me. I am in the hands of God. Whatever His plan for me is good,” Omisore said.Earlier, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Most Rev. John Oyejola, had lauded Omisore for not disappointing the household of faith, as he commended him for supporting church programmes.Related NewsFadahunsi celebrates Omisore at 69, hails his service to Osun, NigeriaOsun Speaker directs ministry to clear refuse across state2027: Barau urges aggrieved APC aspirants to work for party’s victoryOyejola subsequently charged him to continue to be a bridge between governance and the gospel, calling on political leaders in the country to work for the common good.“They should not practice ‘our people only’ politics. A good leader will introduce and implement policies that help everybody, rich or poor alike. A God-fearing politician can sit in the cabinet, in the House of Assembly, in the council, and still refuse to be involved in corruption and violence.“Christian politicians are encouraged to be in the room of political manoeuvring, and let the room feel the presence of God through them. Christian politicians are enjoined to bring the values of God’s kingdom into the political systems of our world, and refuse to let the systems of this world bring them out of God’s kingdom,” the clergy further said.Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, also felicitated with Omisore.Adeleke, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, said Omisore made notable contributions to the development of Osun through his professional career, public service and political engagement.“Today, I celebrate Otunba Omisore as a brother and a distinguished son of Osun. I wish him many more years of meaningful impact.“Through every stage of his remarkable journey, whether as an engineer, deputy governor, senator, traditional leader, or community builder, he has consistently demonstrated uncommon courage, wisdom, and an enduring commitment to the progress of our people.“On behalf of the government and the good people of Osun State, I congratulate Otunba Omisore on this joyous occasion and pray that Almighty God grants him fulfilment as he continues to inspire and serve humanity,” the statement read. The ex-Osun deputy governor, who further said he remained grateful to God for the gift of another year, however, refused to be drawn into making a definite statement regarding his future political plans.“I thank God for today, and I am happy about the large turnout of people who are here to celebrate with me. Today is the day of my birth. I give Almighty God the glory for being alive.“At 69, I count every year as a year because God has been so kind to me. My political future depends on God’s plan for me. I am in the hands of God. Whatever His plan for me is good,” Omisore said.Earlier, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Most Rev. John Oyejola, had lauded Omisore for not disappointing the household of faith, as he commended him for supporting church programmes.Related NewsFadahunsi celebrates Omisore at 69, hails his service to Osun, NigeriaOsun Speaker directs ministry to clear refuse across state2027: Barau urges aggrieved APC aspirants to work for party’s victoryOyejola subsequently charged him to continue to be a bridge between governance and the gospel, calling on political leaders in the country to work for the common good.“They should not practice ‘our people only’ politics. A good leader will introduce and implement policies that help everybody, rich or poor alike. A God-fearing politician can sit in the cabinet, in the House of Assembly, in the council, and still refuse to be involved in corruption and violence.“Christian politicians are encouraged to be in the room of political manoeuvring, and let the room feel the presence of God through them. Christian politicians are enjoined to bring the values of God’s kingdom into the political systems of our world, and refuse to let the systems of this world bring them out of God’s kingdom,” the clergy further said.Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, also felicitated with Omisore.Adeleke, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, said Omisore made notable contributions to the development of Osun through his professional career, public service and political engagement.“Today, I celebrate Otunba Omisore as a brother and a distinguished son of Osun. I wish him many more years of meaningful impact.“Through every stage of his remarkable journey, whether as an engineer, deputy governor, senator, traditional leader, or community builder, he has consistently demonstrated uncommon courage, wisdom, and an enduring commitment to the progress of our people.“On behalf of the government and the good people of Osun State, I congratulate Otunba Omisore on this joyous occasion and pray that Almighty God grants him fulfilment as he continues to inspire and serve humanity,” the statement read. “I thank God for today, and I am happy about the large turnout of people who are here to celebrate with me. Today is the day of my birth. I give Almighty God the glory for being alive.“At 69, I count every year as a year because God has been so kind to me. My political future depends on God’s plan for me. I am in the hands of God. Whatever His plan for me is good,” Omisore said.Earlier, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Most Rev. John Oyejola, had lauded Omisore for not disappointing the household of faith, as he commended him for supporting church programmes.Related NewsFadahunsi celebrates Omisore at 69, hails his service to Osun, NigeriaOsun Speaker directs ministry to clear refuse across state2027: Barau urges aggrieved APC aspirants to work for party’s victoryOyejola subsequently charged him to continue to be a bridge between governance and the gospel, calling on political leaders in the country to work for the common good.“They should not practice ‘our people only’ politics. A good leader will introduce and implement policies that help everybody, rich or poor alike. A God-fearing politician can sit in the cabinet, in the House of Assembly, in the council, and still refuse to be involved in corruption and violence.“Christian politicians are encouraged to be in the room of political manoeuvring, and let the room feel the presence of God through them. Christian politicians are enjoined to bring the values of God’s kingdom into the political systems of our world, and refuse to let the systems of this world bring them out of God’s kingdom,” the clergy further said.Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, also felicitated with Omisore.Adeleke, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, said Omisore made notable contributions to the development of Osun through his professional career, public service and political engagement.“Today, I celebrate Otunba Omisore as a brother and a distinguished son of Osun. I wish him many more years of meaningful impact.“Through every stage of his remarkable journey, whether as an engineer, deputy governor, senator, traditional leader, or community builder, he has consistently demonstrated uncommon courage, wisdom, and an enduring commitment to the progress of our people.“On behalf of the government and the good people of Osun State, I congratulate Otunba Omisore on this joyous occasion and pray that Almighty God grants him fulfilment as he continues to inspire and serve humanity,” the statement read. “At 69, I count every year as a year because God has been so kind to me. My political future depends on God’s plan for me. I am in the hands of God. Whatever His plan for me is good,” Omisore said.Earlier, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Most Rev. John Oyejola, had lauded Omisore for not disappointing the household of faith, as he commended him for supporting church programmes.Related NewsFadahunsi celebrates Omisore at 69, hails his service to Osun, NigeriaOsun Speaker directs ministry to clear refuse across state2027: Barau urges aggrieved APC aspirants to work for party’s victoryOyejola subsequently charged him to continue to be a bridge between governance and the gospel, calling on political leaders in the country to work for the common good.“They should not practice ‘our people only’ politics. A good leader will introduce and implement policies that help everybody, rich or poor alike. A God-fearing politician can sit in the cabinet, in the House of Assembly, in the council, and still refuse to be involved in corruption and violence.“Christian politicians are encouraged to be in the room of political manoeuvring, and let the room feel the presence of God through them. Christian politicians are enjoined to bring the values of God’s kingdom into the political systems of our world, and refuse to let the systems of this world bring them out of God’s kingdom,” the clergy further said.Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, also felicitated with Omisore.Adeleke, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, said Omisore made notable contributions to the development of Osun through his professional career, public service and political engagement.“Today, I celebrate Otunba Omisore as a brother and a distinguished son of Osun. I wish him many more years of meaningful impact.“Through every stage of his remarkable journey, whether as an engineer, deputy governor, senator, traditional leader, or community builder, he has consistently demonstrated uncommon courage, wisdom, and an enduring commitment to the progress of our people.“On behalf of the government and the good people of Osun State, I congratulate Otunba Omisore on this joyous occasion and pray that Almighty God grants him fulfilment as he continues to inspire and serve humanity,” the statement read. Earlier, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo, Most Rev. John Oyejola, had lauded Omisore for not disappointing the household of faith, as he commended him for supporting church programmes.Related NewsFadahunsi celebrates Omisore at 69, hails his service to Osun, NigeriaOsun Speaker directs ministry to clear refuse across state2027: Barau urges aggrieved APC aspirants to work for party’s victoryOyejola subsequently charged him to continue to be a bridge between governance and the gospel, calling on political leaders in the country to work for the common good.“They should not practice ‘our people only’ politics. A good leader will introduce and implement policies that help everybody, rich or poor alike. A God-fearing politician can sit in the cabinet, in the House of Assembly, in the council, and still refuse to be involved in corruption and violence.“Christian politicians are encouraged to be in the room of political manoeuvring, and let the room feel the presence of God through them. Christian politicians are enjoined to bring the values of God’s kingdom into the political systems of our world, and refuse to let the systems of this world bring them out of God’s kingdom,” the clergy further said.Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, also felicitated with Omisore.Adeleke, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, said Omisore made notable contributions to the development of Osun through his professional career, public service and political engagement.“Today, I celebrate Otunba Omisore as a brother and a distinguished son of Osun. I wish him many more years of meaningful impact.“Through every stage of his remarkable journey, whether as an engineer, deputy governor, senator, traditional leader, or community builder, he has consistently demonstrated uncommon courage, wisdom, and an enduring commitment to the progress of our people.“On behalf of the government and the good people of Osun State, I congratulate Otunba Omisore on this joyous occasion and pray that Almighty God grants him fulfilment as he continues to inspire and serve humanity,” the statement read. Oyejola subsequently charged him to continue to be a bridge between governance and the gospel, calling on political leaders in the country to work for the common good.“They should not practice ‘our people only’ politics. A good leader will introduce and implement policies that help everybody, rich or poor alike. A God-fearing politician can sit in the cabinet, in the House of Assembly, in the council, and still refuse to be involved in corruption and violence.“Christian politicians are encouraged to be in the room of political manoeuvring, and let the room feel the presence of God through them. Christian politicians are enjoined to bring the values of God’s kingdom into the political systems of our world, and refuse to let the systems of this world bring them out of God’s kingdom,” the clergy further said.Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, also felicitated with Omisore.Adeleke, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, said Omisore made notable contributions to the development of Osun through his professional career, public service and political engagement.“Today, I celebrate Otunba Omisore as a brother and a distinguished son of Osun. I wish him many more years of meaningful impact.“Through every stage of his remarkable journey, whether as an engineer, deputy governor, senator, traditional leader, or community builder, he has consistently demonstrated uncommon courage, wisdom, and an enduring commitment to the progress of our people.“On behalf of the government and the good people of Osun State, I congratulate Otunba Omisore on this joyous occasion and pray that Almighty God grants him fulfilment as he continues to inspire and serve humanity,” the statement read. “They should not practice ‘our people only’ politics. A good leader will introduce and implement policies that help everybody, rich or poor alike. A God-fearing politician can sit in the cabinet, in the House of Assembly, in the council, and still refuse to be involved in corruption and violence.“Christian politicians are encouraged to be in the room of political manoeuvring, and let the room feel the presence of God through them. Christian politicians are enjoined to bring the values of God’s kingdom into the political systems of our world, and refuse to let the systems of this world bring them out of God’s kingdom,” the clergy further said.Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, also felicitated with Omisore.Adeleke, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, said Omisore made notable contributions to the development of Osun through his professional career, public service and political engagement.“Today, I celebrate Otunba Omisore as a brother and a distinguished son of Osun. I wish him many more years of meaningful impact.“Through every stage of his remarkable journey, whether as an engineer, deputy governor, senator, traditional leader, or community builder, he has consistently demonstrated uncommon courage, wisdom, and an enduring commitment to the progress of our people.“On behalf of the government and the good people of Osun State, I congratulate Otunba Omisore on this joyous occasion and pray that Almighty God grants him fulfilment as he continues to inspire and serve humanity,” the statement read. “Christian politicians are encouraged to be in the room of political manoeuvring, and let the room feel the presence of God through them. Christian politicians are enjoined to bring the values of God’s kingdom into the political systems of our world, and refuse to let the systems of this world bring them out of God’s kingdom,” the clergy further said.Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, also felicitated with Omisore.Adeleke, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, said Omisore made notable contributions to the development of Osun through his professional career, public service and political engagement.“Today, I celebrate Otunba Omisore as a brother and a distinguished son of Osun. I wish him many more years of meaningful impact.“Through every stage of his remarkable journey, whether as an engineer, deputy governor, senator, traditional leader, or community builder, he has consistently demonstrated uncommon courage, wisdom, and an enduring commitment to the progress of our people.“On behalf of the government and the good people of Osun State, I congratulate Otunba Omisore on this joyous occasion and pray that Almighty God grants him fulfilment as he continues to inspire and serve humanity,” the statement read. Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, also felicitated with Omisore.Adeleke, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, said Omisore made notable contributions to the development of Osun through his professional career, public service and political engagement.“Today, I celebrate Otunba Omisore as a brother and a distinguished son of Osun. I wish him many more years of meaningful impact.“Through every stage of his remarkable journey, whether as an engineer, deputy governor, senator, traditional leader, or community builder, he has consistently demonstrated uncommon courage, wisdom, and an enduring commitment to the progress of our people.“On behalf of the government and the good people of Osun State, I congratulate Otunba Omisore on this joyous occasion and pray that Almighty God grants him fulfilment as he continues to inspire and serve humanity,” the statement read. Adeleke, in a statement signed by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Tuesday, said Omisore made notable contributions to the development of Osun through his professional career, public service and political engagement.“Today, I celebrate Otunba Omisore as a brother and a distinguished son of Osun. I wish him many more years of meaningful impact.“Through every stage of his remarkable journey, whether as an engineer, deputy governor, senator, traditional leader, or community builder, he has consistently demonstrated uncommon courage, wisdom, and an enduring commitment to the progress of our people.“On behalf of the government and the good people of Osun State, I congratulate Otunba Omisore on this joyous occasion and pray that Almighty God grants him fulfilment as he continues to inspire and serve humanity,” the statement read. “Today, I celebrate Otunba Omisore as a brother and a distinguished son of Osun. I wish him many more years of meaningful impact.“Through every stage of his remarkable journey, whether as an engineer, deputy governor, senator, traditional leader, or community builder, he has consistently demonstrated uncommon courage, wisdom, and an enduring commitment to the progress of our people.“On behalf of the government and the good people of Osun State, I congratulate Otunba Omisore on this joyous occasion and pray that Almighty God grants him fulfilment as he continues to inspire and serve humanity,” the statement read. “Through every stage of his remarkable journey, whether as an engineer, deputy governor, senator, traditional leader, or community builder, he has consistently demonstrated uncommon courage, wisdom, and an enduring commitment to the progress of our people.“On behalf of the government and the good people of Osun State, I congratulate Otunba Omisore on this joyous occasion and pray that Almighty God grants him fulfilment as he continues to inspire and serve humanity,” the statement read. “On behalf of the government and the good people of Osun State, I congratulate Otunba Omisore on this joyous occasion and pray that Almighty God grants him fulfilment as he continues to inspire and serve humanity,” the statement read.