THE Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), South West Zone, on Thursday, conferred former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, with the distinguished award of the founding father of CAN.
CAN also honoured the Ogun State governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, as the grand patron of the association in the zone.
The awards were presented to the duo at the induction of new officers of the association in the South West under the chairmanship of Bishop Tunde Akin-Akinsanya at the Garden of Faith, Kemta, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta.
The event was attended by Obasanjo, Abiodun; former Nigerian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Isola; the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye, represented by the Regional Pastor of the church, Professor Adegboyega Aduradola and the General Overseer of the Mountain of Fire Ministries, Dr. D.K. Olukoya, who was represented by Pastor Aderibigbe.
Other personalities in attendance included Reverend Mother Esther Ajayi; the senator representing Ogun Central, Senator Suhaib Salis; the chairman of the Ogun State Council of Obas, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle; and the member of the House of Representatives for Yewa North/Imeko Afon Federal Constituency, Honourable Gboyega Nasir Isiaka.
Bishop Akin-Akinsanya noted that Obasanjo played significant roles in the development of CAN at the national and state levels.
He said: “We decided to honour Baba Obasanjo today because he provided enabling environment for the association under his watch as former Head of State and democratically elected president [of Nigeria].
“He used his network of friends to ensure the completion of the International Christian Centre (ICC) in Abuja and provided enabling environment for the Nigeria Inter Religious Council (NIREC).
“Baba Obasanjo is the Asiwaju Onigbagbo of Ogun State and at different times supported various activities of CAN in Ogun State in particular and Nigeria in general. He is a champion of peace.”
The new CAN Chairman, South West Zone, equally appreciated Governor Abiodun for providing all necessary support for the growth of Christianity in the state.
In his sermon, the President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, admonished the new executives to serve with sincerity and purpose.
He described the new chairman as a bridge builder that creates opportunities for others to thrive and survive.
Bishop Oke urged Nigerians to keep hope alive despite the daunting challenges battling the nation.
Governor Abiodun appreciated the vital role of the Christian body in shaping the country for positive development.
“This is not just a ceremonial event, but a significant journey in shared faith. We must all seek God’s guidance at this critical period in the history of the nation. Nigeria will rise again,” the governor said.
The Asiwaju Obirin Onigbagbo of Ogun State, Ambassador Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu, in her goodwill message, said Bishop Akin-Akinsanya was extraordinarily diligent in his service to God while he was the chairman of CAN in the state.
“You have been preferred for a higher role in the Body of Christ. I have no doubt that the best is yet to come,” Dr Awolowo Dosumu said.
READ ALSO: Group wants Gov Mutfwang to rescind suspension of traditional ruler
