The Lagos Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria began on a new note on February 20 as the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu was decorated grand patron of the association while Revd Mother Esther Ajayi, founder of Love of Christ Generation Church was made grand matron of the association.
Also decorated as patrons and matron were Chief Olu Okeowo, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Yayi and Senator Oluremi Tinubu.
The decoration was done along with the inauguration of the newly elected chairman of the Chapter, Bishop Stephen Adegbite by the President of CAN, Dr. Samson Ayokunle.
His Eminence Rev. Supo Ayokunle, CAN President performing the oath of office on Bishop Steve Adegbite, Lagos CAN Chairman.
Sanwoolu: Pray for us
The decoration took place during the yearly Interdenominational Divine Service of CAN which held at the convention ground of The Apostolic Church, LAWNA Territory, Ketu. It was hosted by the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria.
The IDDS attracted top church leaders including Governor Sanwoolu who was physically present to grace the occasion and to receive the honour accorded him.
In his speech, Sanwoolu described the honour which was the first of its kind in the history of the CAN in Lagos as a great development; declaring that he would forever cherish it.
He used the occasion to thank God for the two years he has spent as the governor of the state pointing out however that those two years have been challenging.
Sanwoolu said the challenges notwithstanding, the state has been able to record some giant achievements in the area of infrastructural development.
He promised that the state will work on how to ensure that the Lagos CAN gets a befitting secretariat urging church leaders to continue to pray for the progress of the state.
The governor lamented the security situation in the country calling on well-meaning Nigerians to come together for a lasting solution to the mess Nigeria has found itself in.
He said, “the security situation calls for our prayers. We need to be careful not to turn the situation into religious or tribal war”
Bishop Steve Adegbite, Lagos CAN Chairman (first right) with some awardees from left, Sir Olu Okeowo (Patron), Lagos CAN Gen. Secretary, the State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Rev. Mother Abimbola Esther Ajayi.
The Prelate Methodist Church of Nigeria, Dr. Samuel Uche who preached at the occasion described the new chairman of Lagos CAN, Bishop Adegbite as a man of vision. He believes God will use him to bring about drastic positive changes to the association during his tenure.
He recalled how Adegbite contributed positively to his own ecclesiastical journey, how he encouraged him and how God used him to make him get to where he is today.
Dr. Uche who was one time Chairman of CAN in Kano State also recalled the great role God used him to play while in Kano and how the people of Kano will not forget him in a hurry.
He expressed confidence that Bishop Adegbite will deploy his youthful energy to ensuring a transformation of CAN in Lagos. “I am confident that Bishop Adegbite will be a great instrument in the hands of God in the coming days in the city of Lagos. I believe it is indeed a new dawn for Lagos CAN”
In his acceptance speech after being inaugurated as the chairman of Lagos CAN, Bishop Adegbite appreciated his predecessor, Apostle Alexander Bamgbola for serving the association for six years without blemish.
He said the priority of his administration will be the construction of a befitting secretariat for the association on the land donated by the Lagos State government located on Jobi Fele way, Alausa, Ikeja during the tenure of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed.
Adegbite also promised to continue to work for the unity of Lagos Christians. His words, “Our Administration has started to bring all together and we shall continue to work together as one indivisible entity because Christ charged us in John 17:21 “that they all may be ONE”. United we stand, divided we fall. I am the Chairman for all and all shall be treated equally to the glory of God.”
He then thanked Christians in Lagos for the trust reposed on his leadership. He also thanked the “President of CAN – His Eminence, Dr Samson ‘Supo Ayokunle. The Prelate Methodist Church Nigeria – His Eminence, Dr Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu Uche, my father and the preacher for today for his belief in me to represent the Methodist Church Nigeria within the ecumenical body in Nigeria. His Grace, Most Rev. Dr Alfred Adewale Martins, the leader of the CSN in Lagos for accepting that his bloc should plan IDDS for this year. We are grateful to you all. Kindly continue to pray for us always.”
He assured Governor Sanwoolu that the Lagos CAN will continue to pray for his administration and support all projects that will make life meaningful to the ordinary Lagosian by the special grace of God.”
Msgnr. Okodua (previous past Chairman Lagos CAN) with another church leader and Baba Aladura Akinadewo (immediate past Gen. Secretary, Lagos CAN)
The IDDS which spanned about three hours attracted Christians and Christian leaders from all over Lagos. All participants went home with beautifully made carrier bags as souvenirs; which were provided by Revd Mother Esther Ajayi.
By Our Reporter
