Speeches

27th Triennial General Assembly Of Christian Council Of Nigeria (CCN)

Nov 5, 2008 - I am pleased to be at this occasion marking the 27th Triennial Assembly of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) here in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

As I was reliably informed, the Christian Council of Nigeria was the first organized Christian body established seventy-nine years ago. I commend the president, the executive and the entire membership of this religious body for the success achieved so far, and for sustaining the spirit and Christian principles of love and peace upon which the council was established.

Let me formally welcome to the ancient city of Ibadan, the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Commander- in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces, His Excellency, Alhaji Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Your presence here, has boosted the fraternal atmosphere at this gathering.

Like every other religion, Christianity, not only fulfils the spiritual needs of its believers but also creates the social environment through which people of various ethnic and social background interact almost on a daily basis. It serves as a veritable tool for social integration, and harmonious co-existence in the society, and remains one of the cords of unity that binds people together.

As religious leaders, you have a responsibility not only to cater for the spiritual needs of the Christian fold under your care but also to bring about peace and harmonious relationship among various ethnic groups within your immediate environment. Indeed, the time has truly come for every one of us to employ religion as a tool for peace, unity and meaningful development in the society. You will agree with me that no meaningful development can be achieved in an unstable and unsecured environment. To progress as a nation, we must endeavor to create an atmosphere of peace devoid of rancour and religious intolerance.

My presence here today is in recognition of the important role of religion in human and social development and its impact on the spiritual development of its adherents. The choice of the theme for this year’s assembly “Come, Let us Re-build” is no doubt instructive and appropriate, especially taking into consideration our present situation as a people and a nation in need of spiritual, social and moral rejuvenation.

Without mincing word, religion has a significant role to play in ensuring social and economic transformation of the society. As a religious body, we must therefore ensure that we inculcate the right attitude and put into practical demonstrations those principles, values and practices as contained in the holy books. We must practice what we preach. We must be our brothers and sisters keeper.

The process of transforming and rebuilding our society should start from within; our various religions preach love, peace, tolerance and good moral conducts in our daily interactions in the larger society.

As a government, God has given us the opportunity to come and serve the people and in doing that we need more of your prayers and support. I could recollect during my meeting with religious leaders shortly after the inception of this administration. I intimated them that they have a role to play in sensitizing the citizens on the need to be law-abiding; uphold morals and virtues; and keep people away from crimes.

I therefore urge you all to replicate the unity we often display in our places of worship in the larger society and as well endeavor to demonstrate love and kindness towards one another as part of our religious and social obligations towards our neighbours.

Likewise, it is part of the duties of religious organizations to remind our citizens of their civic responsibilities so that we can be empowered to deliver on our electoral promises for the good of all our people.

I would like to use this occasion to thank and appreciate our church leaders who have helped us to underscore and impress it upon the citizens, the need to perform their civic responsibilities.

Once again, I congratulate the entire organizing team of this triennial general assembly. I wish you a fruitful deliberation.

May the good Lord bless us all in Jesus name, Amen!

Thank you for listening.

Eko O Ni Baje O!

Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN)
Governor of Lagos State