By Bridget Ikyado
Abuja – Rev. Jonah Samson, the new Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), North Central Zone, has called on Nigerians to consciously work for the nation’s unity to ensure progress and prosperity.
Samson made the call on Sunday at the inauguration of the new zonal officials and award presentation, in Abuja.
The cleric also urged Christians to work in unity for the progress of the Church and Christendom, stating that it is the will of God for His people to be as one entity.
“CAN fosters oneness in the body of Christ and the church remains one body in Christ.
“It is important we unite to confront the enemy not to prevail over the church for growth and spiritual development to be enhanced and our mission on earth achieved, which is to spread the gospel of Christ and love for one another.
“The unity we have with God should translate to the unity we have with one another; our being in Christ should dissolve any disunity and discord,” he said.
The clergyman also pleaded with religious leaders to devote time to pray for Nigerian leaders, so that they would govern the country with the fear of God at all times.
In his remarks, CAN President, His Eminence, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, emphasised the need for leaders to influence the people to the right direction.
“It is right for any organisation or office to choose leaders for its success, it is also right to have leaders to work towards achieving the goals and vision of any group.
“Leaders are to influence the people to the right direction and they must work to promote unity,” he added.
Also, the zonal Secretary General, Rev. Simon Dolly, pledged that the new exco will focus on fostering peace and harmony.
“In the North Central, we will ensure that inter-religious peace and harmony is established; that is a major issue in the North Central Zone,” he said.
In a sermon, His Grace, Most Rev. Michael Akinwole, Methodist Archbishop of Abuja, preached on the theme “Arise and Shine”, derived from Isaiah chapter 60 verse 1.
He prayed for peace and unity in the church and for Nigeria’s prosperity and development.
“It is our earnest desire to see the nation and church arise and shine amidst all challenges,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that awards of excellence were presented to former President Goodluck Jonathan, Mr Boss Mustapha, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, and CAN President, among others.
The new CAN executives are to serve a single tenure of five years. (NAN/vitalnewsngr.com)
