Debo Adeoye
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State Chapter recently in Ibadan had its first official state meeting with the head of churches in the state to delibrate on some important issues to fooster unity and progress among churches in the state.
Delivering devotional message at the meeting, held at CAN Secretariat, Ijokodo, Ibadan, Very Rev. Akande harped on the importance of Unity in the body of Christ.
“Unity is important in the body of Christ and members of church must work together to keep the spirit of peace” he said. Highlighting three main points, he added that Unity of Church testifies to Unity of God’s handwork as the work of creation was not done singlehandedly.
“The work of creation was done in Unity by God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Secondly, Unity in church testifies to Unity of gospel message according to Ephesians 4:4-6. Division in church communicates to the world that salvation preached is questionable because we are binded by one book – The Bible”.
“Thirdly, Unity affects the church’s ability to be productive towards the kingdom of God by populating the kingdom of God and depopulating the kingdom of Darkness”. Finally, he declared.
“Our coming together is an opportunity to be united so as to carryout an assignment not an occasion to display intellect or anything that has been dividing us before now, we should remember one of the last word and wish of Christ “that we may be one in the body of Christ as He is One,” he emphasized.
In his address, titled Apostolic Accord, the Chairman of CAN in Oyo State, Apostle (Rtd. Col.) Sola Akinyemiju expressed sincere gratitude to all Christian leaders present at the meeting and acknowledged their contributions for the past four and half decades Oyo State CAN has been in existence.
He however pointed the importance of being in one Accord as a Christian body.
“Let us always have it in our mind that our general calling is to wreck the power of the dark world through our global evangelistic activities, but this could only be possible by engaging in apostolic accord that will foster our Purpose, Vision and Mission on earth as anchored on us by our father who art in heaven to reveal the varieties of His beauties to all on the earth.
This shows that when we are divided, we cannot achieve His Purpose, Vision and Mission for us as His adopted children according to Ephesians 1:5, “Having predestinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good pleasure of his will” but with apostolic accord we shall fulfill His mandate unto us,” Apostle Akinyemiju stated.
Stating the importance of the meeting, the chairman stated further, “The present executives of CAN in Oyo State considered it imperative to invite you, our fathers to this spiritual apostolic meeting, which I am very confident will produce the very purpose of being called. Our fathers, as church leaders in Oyo State, let us come together, in the following areas and make CAN a respected umbrella, with a voice of unity in Oyo State.”
Apostle Akinyemiju presented projects proposed by CAN to fooster unity among churches. According to the chairman, the projects include:-
“Regular seminar or conferences by CAN in Oyo State in our different five zones. In-house crusade in our big cathedrals. External crusade in our different sports centres in the state. CAN yearly Christmas Carol at our Secretariat or a suitable venue.
“Bore-Hole for the Secretariat. Furnishing our guest house to standard. Fortifying our fence accordingly. Establishment of a twelve man Council named; CAN OYO STATE APOSTOLIC COUNCIL.”
“However, every above mentioned concept is subject to discussion and ratification today during this meeting. I pray that Oyo State CAN shall be a powerful voice of unity for every Christians,” Apostle Akinyemiju submitted.
Responding to questions asked on the lingering CAMA law imposed by the government on religious bodies, the chairman, Apostle Akinyemiju advised that discussion on it should be suspended since the national body is already on top of the situation.
“A letter has been brought from National office of CAN and the national President, Dr. Supo Ayokunle has talked to us on the next step to take concerning CAMA law. He said for now, we should refrain from public announcement on CAMA law. CAN headquarters has already engaged the services of Five Senior Advocates of Nigeria and they are working seriously on it.
“However, there is a WhatsApp platform where matters of this nature are been discussed and so, I’ll implore our fathers who hasn’t been added to please drop their numbers so as to be added to the group so as to share ideas”. He added.
Reacting to the chairman’s response on CAMA, the Archbishop of Catholic Diocese of Oyo state, Archbishop Badejo said, ” I am impressed that CAN has put together a team of lawyers at the national level to address the issue of CAMA”.
“I, personally have spoken about CAMA on radio because it’s necessary to raise the flag that something was wrong. However, we know that democracy doesn’t work in a logical manner, we cannot apply too much logic which means even if we aren’t going to be speaking as CAN, we must encourage our enlightened people, social commentators, our journalist and others to keep the matter on public view because atimes our leaders do not merit the trust we put in them.
“In other words, even if we don’t speak as a body, we must encourage those who are competent (lawyers) who understand the law to keep talking (commenting) about it,”.
“For example, it is embedded in the law that Government has no right to intervene in any organization that its not funded by it unless the government is invited in the matters of such organization. This part should be expunged from CAMA” Badejo advised.
Speaking on the issue of signage, Bishop Moradeyo confirmed that Engr. Seyi Makinde’s administration has reduced cost on signage to 25% for all religious bodies and so, religious bodies would only bear 25%.
Presenting the financial status of the association, the Financial Secretary confirmed all the five blocs to be having outstanding balances and dues to settle as at August, 2020. The chairman however, appealed to the leadership of each bloc to settle all outstanding debts as CAN has a lot to do but with little or no resources at all.
As part of the solutions to CAN’s financial problem, Mama Agbala Daniel charged all representatives in attendance to ensure that they pray for their congregation who would in turn redeem their pledges to the church.
“Our members should be brought closer to God, we should also be truthful with that which God entrust us with and the Lord that sent you will not leave you for hunger.” She prayed.
Also present at the meeting are, the immediate past chairman of CAN in Oyo State, Pastor Benjamin Akanmu, Lady Apostle Siyanbola Olaniyi Of Agbala Daniel, Apostle Diran Orekunrin of Sacred Cherubim and Seraphim, Apostle J.O Iyiola of Bible Based Church, Right Rev. Abiodun Ademola of The African Church, Ven. Abiodun Adebusi representing Most Rev. J.O Akinfenwa, Right Rev.(Dr.) Ademola Moradeyo, Chairman Oyo State Christian Pilgrimage Board, Arch Bishop Gabriel Abegunrin; Catholic Archdiocese Ibadan, Archbishop Olumuyiwa Adejayi; the Methodist Archbishop of Oyo State, Bishop Adetoyese Badejo; Catholic Bishop of Oyo Diocese, Right Rev. Mobolaji Yakubu; Ex. Vice Chairman CAN, Onipetu of Ijero; Kabiyesi Oyediran Sunday Oladapo and a host of others.
