The Special Assistant to Oyo state Governor on Interfaith Affairs, Reverend Femi Ibikunle has urged the newly inducted leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo state chapter to anchor its service on unity and shared purpose.
The governor’s aide made the appeal in a congratulatory message made available to westernmirror.com.ng on Thursday, December 11, shortly after the new CAN state executives council was inducted.
The induction official ceremony held at the ECWA District Headquarters, Challenge, Ibadan.
Rev’d Ibikunle, while delivering his message during the official induction ceremony where prominent church leaders and government officials, emphasized on the need for the new excos to embrace an all inclusive administrative approach where all segments of the body feels equally sense of belonging.
Welcoming the Rev Dr Elisha Olukayode Ogundiya led new CAN executives on board, Ibikunle expressed optimism and confidence in the new leadership to steer the affairs of the Christian umbrella body to a greater height.
Drawing inference from John 17:21 in the Holy Bible, Ibikunle described the verse as a reminder of the kind of oneness that defines the Christian calling.
He noted that unity remains one of the most compelling witnesses of the Church to the world, adding that Jesus’s prayer for believers to be one was not just a spiritual ideal but a practical pathway to a stronger Christian community.
He explained that true unity goes beyond warm sentiments. It is a deliberate commitment to love, compassion and shared purpose. According to him, when believers close ranks and work together, they reflect the nature of God in ways words alone cannot achieve.
Rev’d Ibikunle encouraged the new executive to deepen collaboration across denominations and renew the culture of cooperation within the Church in Oyo State.
He urged them to set aside differences, focus on shared faith and allow the love of God to drive their leadership. He also called for continuous prayers for unity across churches, communities and relationships especially the Governor Seyi Makinde led government.
He prayed that the new CAN leadership would strengthen the body of Christ and draw more people to the faith through example and service.
He assured that the Seyi Makinde led administration shown more than the political will ensure a peaceful coexistence among all faiths in the state, noting that the governor has gone ahead to show the world that visionary leadership that engenders unity among all religions does not require a rocket science.
He said the present administration will also continue to prioritize the well-being of religious leaders in the state while calling for maximum support from all the CAN blocs for the new leadership.
Rev Dr Elisha Olukayode takes over the leadership mantle of Oyo state chapter of CAN from Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju, a retired Colonel from the Nigerian Army.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of dignitaries, including Eminence Dr S. Ola Makinde, Prelate Emeritus; His Grace Most Rev Dr Daniel Chukwudumebi Okoh, National CAN President; Bishop Dr Banabas Akintunde Akin Akinsanya, South West CAN Chairman; Rev Dr Joshua Sola Akinyemiju, outgoing chairman; Bishop Taiwo Adelakun, guest speaker; Hon Segun Olayiwola, Oyo State Commissioner for Education; and Bishop Daniel Oluwajimade, Director of State Political Affairs, CAN Oyo State.
The event according to Ibikunle has marked a new chapter for CAN in the state, expressing optimism that the incoming leadership would steer the association toward greater unity spiritual growth, and renewed conscious awakening within the body of Christ.