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2025-06-27 00:00:00

Ogun CAN exco: Be shining examples to the Christian Community, Bishop Odetoyinbo

......we are committed to religious freedom, equity, Governor Abiodun

By James Adeniyi

The Bishop Emmanuel Oludaisi Adekunle-led Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ogun

State chapter, on May 30th, 2025 marked its first year anniversary in office.

The anniversary ceremony, which took place at the Jubilee Hall, Anglican Bishop's Court,

Onikilobo, Abeokuta featured thanksgiving service and symposium.

In his exhortation at the thanksgiving service, the Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Abeokuta, Most

Rev. Dr. Peter Olukayode Odetoyinbo called on the CAN executives as well as all Christians in

the state to follow God's command, by showing love to one another, saying that the

commandment reminds us as followers of Christ to follow in his footsteps.

He said, "I enjoin you our Chairman and Council and all of us Christians in Ogun State to heed

the command of the Lord to Love one another as I have loved you."

"We thank God for our Chairman, the State Council, all arms of the CAN in Ogun State for this

past one year as they have led and testified to the one Faith, One Hope and one Spirit in us all as

Christians in Ogun State.

He added that as followers of Christ, "we also have a mandate to make disciples of all nations,

baptise them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teach them to

observe all the commands that Jesus gave us."

"As our Chairman and for all leaders of the Churches, we must seize this occassion to renew our

commitment to this cammand of the Lord in all ramifications and circustances we find ourselves.

God will send forth his Spirit of courage and counsel to us all.

"The communion among the members of CAN in Ogun State and all wards must ensure that this

command is adhered to and carried out with all faithfulness and sincerity to the Master Jesus

Himself. Hence all forms of competition, supremacy, jealousy, bitterness, amongs us must end

and be avoided for us to meet up with this commission and obligation to our Lord and Saviour".

"Our dear Chairman while we thank God with you and for you and all of us, we have this

mandate to be witnesses to the life, suffering, death and Resurrection of Jesus especially in Ogun

State and everywhere we find ourselves and are called to do so.
"As adopted children of the Risen Lord, we are expected to be salt to the earth and light to the

world in the society and wherever we work. What is happening in the Nigerian society, among

our youth, in the families, the loss and mockery Jesus Christ, the Bible, our faith, mockery of

pastors and among pastors, the damaging negative, unholly, uncharitable criricisms

among Churches even on the social media call for our authentic witnessing to the love and mercy

of Jesus, to our faith, hope and love, to our heavenly inheritance since we have one Father, One

Lord and Saviour in union with the Holy Spirit.

"Every member, every Christian is called by baptism to witness to Christ Jesus in their lives,

thougths and actions. Christ chose us as witnesses not minding our weaknesses of mind and

body, the temptations and many falls and faults of ours yet he said "You did not choose me, no I

chose and I commissioned you to go out and bear fruit, fruit that will last.

Charging leaders of blocks and churches and communities, Bishop Odetoyinbo said, "be the

shepherds of the flock of God that is entrusted to you: watch over it, not simply as a duty, but

gladly, because God wants it: not for sordid money, but because you are eager to do it. Never be

a dictator over any group that is put in your charge, but be an example that the whole flock can

follow".

"Let the message of Christ in all its richness find a home with you, and advise each other in all

wisdom. With gratitude in your hearts sing psalms and hynms and inspired songs to God; and

never say or do anything except in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father

through him".

In his remarks, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun reaffirmed his administration's

unwavering commitment to religious freedom, equity and inclusiveness as it recognises the vital

role that religious organisations play in promoting peace, harmony and development in the State.

Represented by the State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, Governor Abiodun said the

cooperation being enjoyed by the religious bodies in the state has made the State a place where

people of all faiths can practice their beliefs without fear or favour, appreciated them for the

harmony in existence and pledged to keep preserving and promoting such.

"We are proud of the religious harmony that exists in our dear State and we will do all within our

power to preserve and promote it. As you mark this important milestone, I urge you to reflect not

only on the achievements of the past, but also on the immense responsibilities ahead. There is

still work to be done in our communities, our dear State and great nation, Nigeria", the governor

said.

While congratulating the State Chairman and his executive council members for celebrating a

year of accountability and transparency, Prince Abiodun urged them to continue to serve with

diligence and fear of God as leadership is not a title but a trust and such must be held in high

esteem.

"As we embody the principles of stewardship, remember that it is not just about managing

resources wisely, but also about fostering relationships and creating environments where faith
can flourish. Stewardship involves listening to the needs of our brothers and sisters, being

advocates for the voiceless and extending a helping hand to those in need".

In their goodwill messages, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Dr. Adedotun

Gbadebo and the Ajalaye of Ijebu Ilugun South, Alayeluwa Oba Emmanuel Olusanu

congratulated the Rt. Revd. Adekunle led executive for impactful leadership provided in the last

one year and called on them to go and close the gap by assessing where they are and where they

are expected to be.

They charged them to intensify more efforts on evangelism, as today's service is characterized

with lip service and there is no right standing with God, and advised that such be jettisoned for

the good of the society.

Delivering the talk at the symposium, the Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt.

Hon. Oludaisi Elemide, who spoke on the theme; "Christian Leadership amidst Deterioration ",

challenged the Christian body to rise up and promote social justice in the country, adding that

they should make Christ presence felt anywhere and anytime through their actions and inactions.

He enjoined christians to be shining examples in this present Nigeria, saying that as Christians,

they will face challenges, urging them to put their trust in God.

In his remarks, the CAN Chairman, Rt. Revd. Dr. Adekunle appreciated the executive members

for their support, diligence and commitment and called for continuous steadfastness in the

service of God and prayed God to see them through the 5-year journey that its first year is being

celebrated.

Also in attendance was the Archbishop of the Lagos Province Church of Nigeria, Anglican

Communion who doubles as the Bishop of the Diocese of Remo, Most Revd. Olusina Fape

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Ogun CAN exco: Be shining examples to the Christian Community, Bishop Odetoyinbo

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