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Kogi state governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has called on Christian leaders across the state to use the pulpit as an instrument of unity, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence, warning against the exploitation of religion to promote ethnic, political or religious divisions.
Governor Ododo made the call in Lokoja at the Golden Jubilee celebration of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kogi state branch, where he commended the association for five decades of faith, worship, unity and service to humanity.
The governor described the 50th anniversary as a celebration of God’s faithfulness and a tribute to generations of Christian leaders who had contributed to the spiritual and social development of Kogi State.
Congratulating the leadership and entire membership of CAN on the milestone, Ododo noted that the greatness of a society was measured not only by its wealth and infrastructure but also by the values it upheld, the unity it sustained and the legacy it bequeathed to future generations.
Reflecting on the anniversary theme, “The Glory of Worshipping Together in Faith,” drawn from Acts 2:1, the governor said the strength of society depended on the ability of its people to live together in peace despite their differences.
He stressed that faith was most powerful when it served as a bridge between people, promoted compassion and inspired collective efforts towards the common good. Ododo urged religious leaders to continue praying for Nigeria and Kogi state, noting that leadership required divine wisdom, courage and a commitment to the welfare of the people.
The governor further emphasised that the Church could not remain indifferent to the economic and social realities confronting Nigerians, pointing out that leadership decisions directly affected the cost of living, security, employment, education and the future of young people.
He called on Christian leaders to encourage responsible participation in the electoral process and ensure that citizens made informed decisions based on the long-term interests of the country.
While expressing support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reform agenda, Ododo urged religious institutions to promote issue-based political engagement rather than manipulate the faith of worshippers for partisan purposes.
Earlier, the CAN Kogi state Chairman, Special Apostle Pastor Dr Adebayo Emmanuel Olaniyan, described the Golden Jubilee as a celebration of 50 years of unity, togetherness and worshipping God in one accord.
He highlighted the ongoing construction of the Kogi State CAN Ecumenical Centre at Phase II, along Olu Royal Hotel, Lokoja, as one of the major legacy projects of the anniversary.
The CAN chairman also expressed appreciation to Governor Ododo for the state government’s financial support to the association, efforts to maintain peace and tackle crime, and ongoing developmental initiatives across Kogi state.
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