Ododo Urges Christian Leaders to Promote Peace, Reject Divisive Preaching

 

By Atlantic Reports

Kogi State Governor Ahmed Ododo has urged Christian leaders to make unity, reconciliation and peaceful coexistence central to their sermons, cautioning against using religion to deepen ethnic and political divisions.

Ododo spoke on Saturday in Lokoja during the golden jubilee celebration of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kogi branch.

He said religious teachings should build understanding across communities and encourage shared responsibility for society’s welfare.

The governor commended CAN’s contributions to worship, unity and service over five decades, while acknowledging Christian leaders who had supported the state’s spiritual and social development.

Faith and Public Responsibility

Reflecting on the anniversary theme, “The Glory of Worshipping Together in Faith”, drawn from Acts 2:1, Ododo said society’s strength depended on people living peacefully despite their differences.

He argued that development should be measured beyond wealth and infrastructure to include shared values, unity and the legacy left for future generations.

The governor said faith could strengthen society by bridging divisions, encouraging compassion and inspiring collective action for the common good.

He also urged religious leaders to pray for Nigeria and Kogi, saying leadership required wisdom, courage and commitment to public welfare.

Electoral Participation and Household Concerns

Ododo said the Church could not overlook the economic and social pressures facing Nigerians, noting that government policies affected living costs, security, employment and education.

He urged Christian leaders to encourage responsible electoral participation and help citizens assess political choices against the country’s long-term interests.

While expressing support for President Bola Tinubu’s reform agenda, the governor called on religious institutions to promote political engagement based on issues and avoid exploiting worshippers’ faith for partisan purposes.

CAN Highlights Ongoing Ecumenical Centre Project

Earlier, the Kogi CAN Chairman, Special Apostle Pastor Dr Adebayo Emmanuel Olaniyan, described the jubilee as a celebration of 50 years of unity and worship.

He identified the ongoing construction of the Kogi CAN Ecumenical Centre at Phase II, near Olu Royal Hotel in Lokoja, as a major anniversary project.

Olaniyan thanked the state government for its financial support and commended its efforts to maintain peace, tackle crime and promote development. The account of the celebration did not specify the amount of government support or a completion date for the centre.

He also acknowledged former state chairmen, particularly Bishops Dr Dada Olorunmolu, Dr Emmanuel Egbunu and Dr John Ibenu, for their contributions to the association and the development of its infrastructure, including its former secretariat.

The anniversary brought attention to religious institutions’ role in community life, with calls for reconciliation, informed civic participation and service to people across Kogi.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.