The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ibadan North West local government chapter has bestowed a distinguished award of excellence on the Special Assistant on Interfaith Affairs to Oyo state governor, Reverend Femi Ibikunle, for his deep passion, commitment, and zeal to the work of God in public office.
The award was presented to Rev Ibikunle by Reverend Jonathan Babalola on behalf of the CAN Local Government Coordinator, Apostle Victor Olaitan, on Saturday, June 22 during the 40th anniversary celebration of the Association held at the Union Baptist Church, Ekotedo, Ibadan.
This was as the umbrella body of all Christians in the LG described Rev Ibikunle as a true ambassador of peace in a challenging time with his unrelenting advocacy for interfaith harmony and peaceful coexistence among all the religions in the state.
The Christian body also noted that what the governor’s aide has committed himself to doing since inception of the Governor Makinde led administration in 2019 was unprecedented and will remain part of the history of the state as no public office holder had dabbled into such terrain before let alone record such impressive accomplishments Rev Ibikunle has recorded.
The award, according to the CAN Coordinator, was in recognition of Rev Ibikunle’s unwavering commitment to advocating for religious harmony and peaceful coexistence among diverse religious communities in the state.
The event was attended by prominent religious leaders within the Christian community and executive members of CAN in the LG.
Apostle Olaitan praised the governor’s aide for his dedication to building bridges between Christians, Muslims, and African tradition worshipers, describing him as “an ambassador of peace in challenging times.
Speaking exclusively with westernmirror.com.ng shortly after receiving his award, Rev Ibikunle, overwhelmed with joy, expressed gratitude to the IBNW chapter of CAN for the recognition and reaffirmed his commitment to continue working tirelessly towards unity, peaceful coexistence, and better understanding among all religions in the state.
He said his deeper motivation and commitment stem from the way Governor Seyi Makinde discovered him out of the ‘blue’ and while going about his primary assignment as a full time pastor under the Assemblies of God Church and brought him on board as member of his government in the state.
He stressed that humanity must first be acknowledged by all as a binding force that brings all people of the world together regardless of creed, religion, race, or language, and as such, an environment where every member of the society can freely practice what faith they believe in must be everyone’s first priority.
He maintained that God is a supreme Being who rules over the affairs of men and as such, nobody should attempt to coarse, force or be at loggerhead with another on account of their faiths stressing that there can not be an alternative to peace and tranquility to record any meaningful development in the society.
He emphasized the importance of dialogue and mutual respect in addressing religious differences, stressing Governor Makinde’s vision of a harmonious and inclusive society.
Rev Ibikunle, who is a member of International World Peace Advocate (IWPA), an Affiliate organization of the United Nations, described Governor Makinde as an unrepentant lover of peace and religious harmony said he would continue to amplify the governor’s voice through his office to deepen the already existing relative peace in the state.
“I want to earnestly express my gratitude first, to God Almighty for His grace through Christ Jesus who has found me worthy of the opportunity to be called to serve the state as a Special Assistant on Interfaith Affairs. My gratitude is special because I’m just a young preacher among countless very senior generals of the Gospel, it is only God’s grace that works these things.
“I want to specially thank my political father and leader, a true man of the people who’s God’s sent as a liberator, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde for discovering me out of nowhere and bringing me on board his government in this capacity. It is my believe that the governor’s opportunity for me is why many people can see more of the love God through me in my official capacity.
“I want to say a big thank you to CAN in Oyo state under the able leadership of my father in the Lord, Apostle Joshua Akinyemiju for their unrelenting support and backing since I was appointed as the Governor’s aide, these are memories I do not take likely. And most importantly, the Ibad North West Local Government chapter of CAN, for this recognition and award.
“The Bible says we should let our light to shine before men that they may see the glory of God through us. That’s all I’m committed to do with all my energy and believing that we are writing a good history with every single day handed to us by God so that posterity can be kind to us. I wasn’t expecting the award but this will surely spur me to rededicate myself knowing that the little things we do are being noticed on the bigger stage.” Rev Ibikunle said.