General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry and convener of Change Makers International (CMI), Pastor William Kumuyi, has stressed the need for Christians and Muslims faithful in the country to love and live in harmony with one another, to lay a solid foundation for a better society and a better Nigeria.
Kumuyi who made this call in Akure, Ondo state capital, during the inauguration of the state chapter of CMI, said the non-denominational and non-religious initiative is put together to address Nigeria’s social, political, and economic crises confronting the country
Kumuyi who was represented by the Ondo state overseer of Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor Jacob Asubiojo, said the initiative is to bring together Muslim leaders, Christian leaders, and Secular leaders from all works of life to find a lasting solution to the nation’s challenges.
He said, “We must understand that this is a paradigm shift from what we, either as Christians, Moslems or other faith adherents had known. It is a true call to the purpose of God for mankind beyond religiosity, denominations, and ethnicity.
“This is an all-important and unusual call where we are not to see ourselves either as Christians or as Moslems but as a people created by God that must take positive steps to lay a solid foundation for a better society and indeed a better world.
“Change Makers International is not just a gathering of like-minded individuals but a gathering to open the eyes of everyone that we need one another in setting goals and collectively achieving the desired vision; it is a call and commitment to action.
“It is a pledge to work tirelessly, hand in hand, to tackle many pressing issues and dysfunctions bedevilling our communities, nation and our planet. Whether in engendering a friendly, peaceful, secured environment as well as building sustainable communal relationship, promoting social justice, or empowering marginalized groups, CMI is here to make a difference”
He disclosed that the convener of the initiative, Kumuyi will be in the state for six-day programme with other professionals and scholars who will attend to various topics geared towards positive changes with great social impact.
He disclosed that: “At the maiden edition held in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, which saw people from other faiths and divides attending the programme; there was no altar call neither was there any subterranean move or activities that tended towards the conversion of people of one faith to another.
“As a matter of fact, there were many sessions, seminars, and talks including goodwill messages handled and delivered by both Moslem leaders, Christian leaders, and Secular leaders from all works of life.
Speaking on the programme, he said “We are expected not only to participate efficiently but effectively motivate and *mobilise for attendance as well as human, material, and financial resources.
“It is on this note that I call on our traditional rulers, Muslim brothers, and sisters, Christian leaders, non-governmental Organisations NGO’s, Community Based Organisations Faith and organisations not to see CMI as a Christian Programme or a Deeper Life programme meant to convert people to Christianity but rather as a God Ordained programme for the generality of mankind
“I therefore like to urge each of us to embrace this opportunity with passion and dedication. Let us harness our collective energy to innovate, to collaborate, and to inspire others.
“Together, we can create ripple effects of transformation that extend far beyond what any one of us could achieve alone. Let us remember that change begins with us—here, today, and now.
“Let us be the catalysts for a future where compassion triumphs over indifference, where understanding bridges divides, and where every voice is heard and respected”
The state Deputy governor, Olayide Adelami, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Ademola Falohun, said creating a conducive environment calls for collective effort of all Nigerians.
He said, “Let’s unite, irrespective of our religion, this is for the development of this nation but we must speak with one voice and be united.
The Chairman League of Imam in the state, Alhaji Ahmed Aladesawe, appreciated the initiative, noting the hardship in the country and the need to put the nation on the right track again.
Aladesawe who was represented by Alhaji Bashir Moshood, said, this country is facing social, economic, and tribalism challenges today because we are not united and we can only overcome these challenges if we are united and speak with one voice.
“Love your neighbor regardless of your religion background. A complete believer must love their neighbor, love your yourself, let’s be united, face out tribalism, ethnicity and religion bias to move the country forward and achieve the needed development”
The President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in the state, Bishop Joshua Opayinka, hailed Kumuyi for the new idea and initiative, saying peace and development are synonymous in every nation.
He said for peace to reign in a society, there’s a need for you to love your neighbor. This is a new idea that will give room for development in our society. This will help to resolve so many differences, in religion, tribalism, socio-economic and address so many other challenges.
“Peace and development is the idea behind this and it will go a long way to assist Nigeria. Coming together irrespective of our background will help build this nation, why not let us join hands together to bring the country to its rightful place?”
ALSO READ THESE TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
