Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has urged Nigerians to avoid the metamorphosis of the present security issue in the country to tribal or religious war. Governor Sanwo-Olu gave the charge at the 2021 Interdenominational Divine Service (IDDS) organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN with the theme, “A new beginning, a new dawn and a new glory” on Saturday, February 20 at The Apostolic Church, Ketu, Lagos. The governor said that Nigerians at this point in history need to come together to seek better ways out of the problems confronting the country, as he advised that prayers should not be left out in achieving this. Sanwo-Olu said: “The security situation in our country calls for our prayers. We need to be careful not to turn the security issue to religious or tribal war. He challenged the people, particularly religious leaders to consolidate efforts of government in making the state and nation bigger, stating, that the leaders in their individual capacity should ask themselves what they can do differently. On his part, Most Rev. (Dr.) Alfred Adewale Martins, Catholic Archbishop of Lagos urged Christians and the body of Christ to pray for Nigeria for divine intervention in the challenges confronting the country.
“There are many challenges in the country, and we urge Christians and the body of Christ to pray for God’s intervention in solving all these problems”, he said. Speaking on the hosting of the Interdenominational service by the Christian Council of Nigeria, CCN bloc, even with the COVID-19 pandemic, Archbishop Martins said it is a statement that CCN identifies with the ideals of CAN. He said: “We are happy CCN is hosting the IDDS even with the COVID-19. Hosting it is a statement that CCN identifies with the ideals of CAN and therefore identifies with activities that take place in CAN. As a bloc we will work together with CAN to achieve its purpose.
” Also speaking on the occasion, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Chairman, Lagos State Christian Association of Nigerian, pledged that the current leadership of CAN would carry on with the work of building a formidable force for the enhancement of God’s kingdom. “Our administration has started to bring all together and we shall continue to work together as one indivisible entity because Christ charged us in John 17 verse 21, ‘that they all may be one.’ United we stand, divided we fall. I am the Chairman for all, and all shall be treated equally to the glory of God,” the Lagos CAN Chairman stated. Governor Sanwo-Olu was decorated grand patron of the association on the occasion, while Revd. Mother Esther Ajayi, Founder Love of Christ Generation Church was made the grand matron. Those who were also decorated at the event include, Sir. Chief Olu Okeowo, Senator Solomon Olamilekan Yayi as patrons, while Senator (Pastor) Oluremi Tinubu was appointed Matron. The Immediate Past CAN, Lagos Chairman, Apostle Alexander Bamgbola alongside other executives were also honoured for their years of purposeful leadership
