Gov Ododo Urges Religious Leaders to Promote Peace, Warns Against Use of Pulpit for Division

By Muslimat Itopa

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, has urged religious leaders to use their platforms to promote peace, unity and peaceful coexistence, warning against the use of the pulpit to spread hatred, ethnic sentiments and partisan interests.

Governor Ododo gave the charge  at the 50th anniversary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Kogi State, where he joined Christian leaders and worshippers to celebrate five decades of the association’s service to God and humanity.

The governor described the Golden Jubilee as a testament to God’s faithfulness and an opportunity to recognise generations of Christian leaders whose contributions had supported the spiritual and social development of the state.

He said religious institutions had a vital role to play in promoting peace and stability, particularly amid the country’s economic challenges and security concerns.

According to him, religion should serve as a unifying force rather than a source of division, as Nigerians, irrespective of their religious beliefs and political affiliations, shared a responsibility to build a peaceful and prosperous nation.

“Religion must never become a weapon of division. It must remain a bridge of unity because our common purpose should be to build a nation where every citizen can live in peace, dignity and prosperity,” he said.

Governor Ododo urged Christian leaders to exercise restraint in their political engagements, stressing that the pulpit should be used for reconciliation, moral instruction and peaceful coexistence.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s readiness to partner with religious institutions in promoting education, healthcare, humanitarian services and other initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of residents.

Earlier, the Kogi State CAN Chairman, Apostle Emmanuel Adebayo, said the anniversary was an opportunity to thank God for sustaining the association through 50 years of unity, fellowship and collective worship.

Adebayo said the theme of the celebration, “The Glory of Worshipping Together in Faith,” underscored the importance of unity among Christians and the need to strengthen the association’s commitment to faith and service.

He identified the ongoing construction of the Kogi State CAN Ecumenical Centre as one of the major legacies of the Golden Jubilee, describing the project as an investment in the future of the Christian community.

The CAN chairman assured the government and people of Kogi State of the association’s continued prayers for peace, security, unity and development.

The celebration featured the cutting of the Golden Jubilee cake and the presentation of an award of recognition to Governor Ododo.