Clerics urge Nigerians to work in unity
By Bridget Ikyado
Rev. Jonah Samson, the newly inaugurated Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) North Central Zone, has called on Nigerians to consciously work for the nation’s unity to ensure progress of the society.
He made the call on Sunday at the CAN North Central Zone Official Inauguration of Newly Elected Executives and Award Presentation, in Abuja.
The cleric also urged Christians to work in unity for the progress of the church and Christendom, stating that it is the will of God for His people to be as one entity.
“CAN fosters oneness in the body of Christ and the church remains one body in Christ.
“It is important we unite to confront the enemy not to prevail over the church.
“For growth and spiritual development to be enhanced and our mission on earth achieved, which is to spread the gospel of Christ and love for one another.
“The unity we have with God should translate to the unity we have with one another; our being in Christ should dissolve any disunity and discord,” he said.
The clergyman also pleaded with religious leaders to devote time to pray for Nigerian leaders, so that they would govern the country with the fear of God at all times.
In his remarks, CAN President, His Eminence, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, emphasised the need for leaders to lead right for the masses to follow.
“It is right for any organisation or office to choose leaders for its success.
“It is also right to have leaders to work towards achieving the goals and vision of any group.
“Leaders are to influence the people to the right direction and they must work to promote unity, working in one accord,” he said.
In his speech, the newly elected Secretary General, Rev. Simon Dolly, from Nasarawa State, pledged that the new exco will focus on fostering peace and harmony.
“In the North Central, we will ensure that inter-religious peace and harmony is established; that is a major issue in the North Central Zone,” he said.
In his sermon, His Grace, Most Rev. Michael Akinwole, Methodist Archbishop of Abuja, preached on the theme of the event “Arise and Shine” derived from Isaiah chapter 60 verse 1.
He prayed for peace and unity in the church and for Nigeria’s prosperity and development.
“It is our earnest desire to see the nation and church arise and shine amidst all challenges,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the CAN North Central Zone presented various awards of excellence to personalities with outstanding service to the country.
Some of the recipients were Former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and CAN President among others.
The News Agency of Nigeria(NAN)reports that the CAN North central zone, presented various awards of excellence to Former President Good luck Jonathan and Mr Boss Mustapha,Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
Senator Philip Aduda representing the FCT and the CAN President Rev Daniel Okoh were not left out.
Also Governors of Benue, Plateau and Taraba were amongst those honoured.
The newly elected executives are to serve a single tenure of 5years.
The excos were elected from each state of the North Central Zone.
The executives are :Rev Samson Jonah Chairman, FCT and Vice Chairman Bishop RBC Nwankwo ,Plateau with Bishop Sumon Dolly Secretary from Nassarawa.
Bishop Sado Henry Assistant Secretary is also from the FCT ,as Rev Fr Patrick Polit,Treasurer from Plateau and Barr Adebowole Olaoluwa,Director, Legal and Public Affairs is from Kogi
The newly inaugurated also have Rev Fr Jude Omaku,Director, Ecumenism, from.Nassarawa,Ben Andrew Olugbemiro,as Director, Reaseach and Planning, Kwara.
The exco also has ; Apostle Tony Ukachukwu,Will serve as Director, Youth,Women Education, from Niger and Me Daniel Dam ,takes care of ,National Issues and Welfare ,from Benue.(NAN)
