The Oyo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, has set aside July 2, 2021 as a day of intercession against insecurity in Oyo State in particular and the country in general.
This was part of the resolutions arrived at today, at a meeting between the Oyo State government and CAN during a stakeholders’ meeting with the Christian body in Oyo State.
Representing the state government at the meeting were the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun and the Executive Assistant to the governor on Administration, Rev. Idowu Ogedengbe.
CAN agreed to go spiritual, as it has vowed to hold a special praise, worship and prayer session to intercede for the state and the nation.
Recall that the state government had met with Islamic and traditional leaders in the state, who also agreed to work with the government to eradicate insecurity in the state.
Speaking during the meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Olatunbosun noted that the state government resorted to seeking the intervention of religious stakeholders in the state, to forge a new front against insecurity that has become a grave challenge in the state.
Olatunbosun said, “In a bid to renew our efforts against insecurity, Oyo State government has been working tirelessly against insecurity in recent times. We have purchased needed gadgets and vehicles for security agents in the state and we will do more.
“However, we can not do it alone, we apparently need to change our strategies and work with you, religious stakeholders in the state.
“We are meeting Christians and the Christian body for a specific reason, which is to trigger a religious war against the devilish act of banditry, abduction and insecurity in the state.
“This government seeks to secure the state from insecurity and we will do so regardless of the state of the nation.
“And as we redouble our efforts, we will never allow insecurity to divide us – this is why we have engaged representatives of all religion in the state: Christianity, Islam and traditional worshippers.”
In his comment, Oyo State CAN Chairman, Apostle (Col) Joshua Akinyemiju, said that CAN in partnership with the Chaplain of the Government House will commence a powerful intercession for the state.
He said, “Yes, insecurity is not exclusive to Oyo State, but we believe as Christians, we will not give in. We will intensify our efforts to pull down the strong hold of the enemy.”
The CAN Chairman, however, berated those propagating falsehood that the state government has neglected Christian or Islamic bodies, and is rather seeking only traditional means.
“We are glad this meeting is coming up today. This strategy by the state government is commendable and we thank the government for inviting us.”
