By Emmanuel Awari -Jalingo
The Taraba State Governor Agbu Kefas has called on Christians across the state to invest in the service of God and support the construction of the proposed ₦10 billion Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Centre in Jalingo.
The Governor made the call at the closing ceremony of a three-day Ministers’ Conference and fundraising launch organised by the Taraba State chapter of CAN for the construction of the centre.
The Governor represented by the Speaker of the Taraba State House of Assembly, John Kizito Bonzena, said those who invest in the work of God will be abundantly rewarded.
He urged Christians to contribute generously towards the successful completion of the project, describing the proposed centre as an important facility for the Christian community in the state.
The Governor commended the leadership of CAN in the state for organizing the conference, noting that it provided an important platform for Christian leaders and politicians to deliberate on issues of unity, peace and development.
He assured the Christian community that his administration will continue to support the Church in its efforts to promote unity, peaceful coexistence and development across the state.
Earlier, the Chairman of CAN, Taraba State Chapter, Rev. Fr. William Peter Awoshiri, appealed to Christians and other well-meaning individuals to support the construction of the proposed 5,000-capacity CAN Auditorium in Jalingo.
Awoshiri expressed optimism that the project would be realised through collective contributions, stressing that its successful completion required the support and commitment of Christians across the state.
He also appreciated government officials, chief launchers, invited guests and other participants for their presence and contributions towards the success of the conference and fundraising.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Organising Committee, Bishop Innocent Solomon, commended participants drawn from the 16 local government areas and other parts of Taraba, as well as dignitaries and resource persons from outside the state, for participating in the conference.
Bishop Solomon urged participants to put the knowledge acquired during the conference into practice by promoting peace, unity and harmony in their respective communities.
Also speaking, the Dean, Cabinet Affairs of the United Methodist Church, UMC, Rev. Dr Philip Micah Dopah, described the Ministers’ Conference and fundraising as timely.
Dopah said the conference had equipped Church leaders with knowledge on effective leadership and the promotion of unity, urging them to apply the lessons learnt in their communities to help build a healthier society.
He also encouraged Christians to support the fundraising with their resources to enable the CAN leadership construct a befitting auditorium for the Christian community in Taraba.
The Chief Launcher, Mr Niyi Adekoya, similarly appealed to Christians to provide financial support towards actualising the dream of constructing the 5,000-capacity auditorium in Jalingo.
Adekoya urged Christians to invest in the service of God, stressing that such investment would attract greater rewards from God.
In a message of solidarity, representatives of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Islamic Religious Matters said unity remained critical to promoting development in Taraba State and beyond.
They congratulated the CAN leadership for organising the conference, saying the initiative will further encourage religious tolerance, peaceful coexistence and unity among the people of Taraba.