Debo Adeoye, Ibadan
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State Chapter, Pastor Benjamin Akanmu said the only way to put the people of Oyo State on their toes to make great contribution towards returning Oyo to enviable state in Nigeria is for the state governor, Engr Oluseyi Makinde to allow equity and fairness to be the guiding principle of his administration.
The statements was made last weekend at the First Baptist Church, Iresaadu, in Surulere Local Government of Oyo State, venue of the Oyo CAN State Assembly Meeting.
In his speech the state Chairman, Pastor Benjamin Akanmu commended all Christians in the state for their active participation and contribution to the success of the 2019 general elections.
“Let me also seize this opportunity to commend Christians for coming out in large number to participate in the 2019 election, whether as voters or contestants. Our involvement and participation was excellent, commendable, outstanding and very successful. That was why elections conducted in the state were rated the best in Nigeria.”
“You all will agree with me that our participation reflected in the number of voters, as well as Christians that contested in the elections. Let me also on behalf of everyone commend the efforts of the INEC, especially its state commissioner, Barrister Mutiu Agboke, the GOC, 2nd Mechanized Division, the Commissioner of Police and other security agencies for their meritorious performance.
“I don’t think it is too early to commend the state government on some good steps taken so far, for instance prompt payment of workers and pensioners salaries. However, we appeal to the governor to keep to his promises, especially his promise to turn things around. He should also apply equity in his appointment, relating with religious and community leaders, likewise rural development should be given attention.
“Well Christians should continue to pray for the success of this administration. We shall also hold a thanksgiving service for the state government at a date to be announced very soon.”
In his welcome address to the delegates His Royal Majesty, Oba Moses Olayiwola, the Aresa-Apa of Iresa-Apa described the decision to bring CAN State Assembly Meeting to Iresaadu as a great blessing and opportunity to communicate their problems to the state governor.
“This is an opportunity for us to let the state government know what our predicaments are, economy situation is very bad here, our major means of livelihood is agriculture, but situation is not conducive. There are lot of land disputes cases between community leaders, our towns need development.
Meanwhile, Pastor Akanmu gave the report of the general assembly election that returned Rev. Supo Ayokunle as CAN President for the second term to the delegates. In his report he said “Christians across the nation are praying daily for Ayokunle’s for more courage to keep mounting pressure on government to secure lives and property of all in the country.”
Other personalities that attended the Assembly meeting include, the 1st Vice Chairman, Rt. Rev. Monsigner E. B. Yakubu, 2nd Vice Chairman, Bishop Ogundeji Emmanuel, Secretary, Canon Segun Babatunde, State Treasurer Mrs. A. O. Adelana and CAN Coordinators from all the 33 local government councils in the state.
