The Executive Council for the South West Zone of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has been inaugurated.
The eleven-member council was inaugurated on Saturday at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Basorun, Ibadan.
Among the new council members is veteran journalist and legal luminary, Steve Alabi.
Inaugurating the council, the National President of CAN, Rev. Samson Ayokunle who spoke on the theme, ‘Secrets of a Winning Team’, urged the new officers to demonstrate unity of purpose and be vision-oriented as they begin to lead the zonal body.
He said: “God did not put you in office for yourselves, but for Himself and the people of God. As soldiers of Christ, you are taking up a duty that requires faith and perseverance.
“Team work is crucial in doing this work. The South West and all the states expect new things from you. We need to have a common goal. Let us work together in humility.
“Let there be no dissension among you. Everybody is significant in the team. Be united and hardworking as these will make your team outstanding.
“We live in dangerous times when the faith is under threat and freedom of worship is in danger. We must protect our faith in the face of these assaults.
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“CAN is not a political party. We are a spiritual body and watchmen over the house of Israel. And we will defend our faith.
“What do you see? Murders all the time, some people had black Christmas, especially in the northeastern part of the country.
“Today, we are marking the captivity of a girl, Leah Sharibu, who has been in captivity for the past two years because she happens to be a Christian and she has refused to convert to Islam.
“So, the church is facing fire. But by the grace of God, we will prevail against all evils in this nation.”
On the regional security initiative being put in place by some governors, the CAN leader noted that the move would go a long way in safeguarding the lives and property of residents in the region.
Other officers of the new council are: Rev. Fr. Raphael Osegboun, Zonal Chairman; Rev. Luke Bamigboye, Secretary; Mr. Adegboyega Ogunbekun, Assistant Secretary; Rev. Rufus Ajayi, Treasurer; Pastor Joseph Olu-Akanbi, Financial Secretary; Rev. Timothy Ajibola, Director of Ecumenism and Interfaith; and Rev. Michael Adepoju, Director of Education/Women/Youth.
Alabi is the Director, Legal and Media.
Speaking on behalf of his colleagues, Osegboun, promised that they would be diligent in serving.
He called on the government to see the church as partner in progress.
