The Association of Church Reputation Managers (ACRM), a body of Christian professional communicators, has extended its warmest congratulations to the Lagos State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) on the milestone completion and formal commissioning of its new permanent secretariat and administrative complex.
It however took exception to the naming of the secretariat after Nigeria’s First Lady, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu.
The association made this known in a statement signed by its President, Pastor Joseph ‘Yemi Adeniran made available to Church Times
The body commended the leadership of Lagos CAN for the new secretariat building describing it as a significant milestone in the annals of CAN.
He acknowledged the unwavering commitment, dedication and perseverance of Lagos CAN leadership under the chairmanship of Rt. Rev. Stephen Adegbite, who is also the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission (NCPC), for the feat.
Describing Bishop Adegbite as a visionary leader and astute administrator, he said the resilience of his team and the support of members resulted in the construction and formal inauguration of the secretariat after three decades of the association being without a befitting secretariat.
“We commend the Lagos State CAN under the able leadership of Rt. Rev. Stephen Adegbite for this remarkable accomplishment.
“This new complex will serve as a hub for spiritual growth, community development, and interfaith dialogue, ultimately contributing to the betterment of our nation,” he stated, adding, “The new building will undoubtedly enhance the association’s effectiveness in deepening the work of evangelism and soul-winning, as well as promote religious harmony, national unity, and cohesion.”
ACRM however urged religious organisations in Nigeria to remain neutral and apolitical, emphasising that naming monuments after political office holders could have potential perception of partisanship, as well as erode people’s confidence in such organisations.
Regarding the naming of the new secretariat building after Mrs Tinubu, ACRM states, “As we celebrate this achievement, we humbly offer a word of caution regarding the naming of the new building, office spaces and other assets after politically-aligned persons.
“While we acknowledge the contributions and the gesture of appreciation to the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and many honoured personalities, we believe it is crucial to consider the potential implications of this decision on CAN’s neutrality and independence as a non-political, purely religious organisation,” he stated.
While emphasising that ACRM is not averse to CAN giving recognition to deserving individuals who have contributed significantly to the growth of the church and the nation, it states, “we view the naming of the building after the wife of a sitting President of Nigeria as untimely. Such honour could be deferred to a time after leaving the office, thereby avoiding any potential perception of partisanship.”
ACRM expressed concern that the action could taint opposition political parties’ perception of CAN as a partisan religious body, erode people’s confidence in the association’s ability to uphold objectivity on matters that affect the country, and diminish its moral canvass to speak truth to power.”
The body then urged the leadership of Lagos CAN to carefully consider this matter and ensure that the association’s actions in any future decision align with its core values and mission.
ACRM assured the Lagos CAN leadership that it held it in highest esteeem and looked forward to continued collaboration and partnership in fostering an enabling environment for promoting the advancement of the kingdom of God in Nigeria, as well as spiritual growth, national unity, and cohesion.
