The Christian Association of Nigeria has conferred an award on Kogi State Governor as a “Friend of the Church” in recognition of his stand on equity and fair treatment meted on Christians in the state and his friendliness to the religion.
The Award was presented to the Governor by the CAN National President, Revd Dr. Samson Ayokunle during the official dedication of the Government House chapel which he laid the foundation July, 2019 after 28 years of the existence of the State Government, House.
The CAN president thanked the Governor for his step to bring justice and inclusiveness added that it was only leaders who have the spirit of God that could take the bold step to build a house for God
Revd. Ayokunle urged the Federal and other State governments to emulate the Kogi State Governor’s approach in ensuring fairness and balance in the affairs of governance between every religious sect in the state, alluded that such steps have guaranteed peace in the state and for his government
He said “In the atmosphere of justice and mutual respect prosperity would be guaranteed and the country bring a plural nation, it is our duty that while practicing democracy we apply apply native sense taking into cognizance our plurality”
Governor Bello represented by His Deputy, Edward Onoja in his address noted that he could not understand the dynamics behind why previous administration refused to build a befitting worship center for the Christians within the premises of the Government House noted that because of the plural nature of the state such action was wrong.
He noted that it was quiet surprising that those who belonged to a much more enlightened generation have decided to politicized issues of religion as such parochial thinking was antithetical to the stride of any generation or society to make any progress.
Governor Bello then noted that when he took office, he saw the absence of a worship center for Christians as an error which his administration deliberately decided to correct hence the dedication of the Chapel was quiet significant for his administration.
He added that the significance of the Chapel being dedicated would surpass its size with such compelling messages of the binding responsibility of equity on leaders, equity, fairness and justice as the bedrock of an egalitarian society, inclusivity and equal access to governance are the inevitable rights of every citizens and that affirmative action is for every section of the populace, as leadership must always take the step to balance the scales.
The Governor asserted that his government had taken such affirmative action beyond just religion but in other aspect of the society pertinent of which was governance and the inclusion of women in governance as made evident in its administration’s appointive and elective positions.
Governor Bello lauded the CAN President for being a veritable source of encouragement as he understood just like himself that the very soul of the nation was a stake whenever inequity and inequality was allowed to thrive reiterating that he was opened to counsel from the Christian leader at all times.
