The Niger State chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Most Rev. Bulus Dauwa Yohanna, has called for a collective fight by stakeholders against all forms of social vices to ensure peace and stability in the state.
He also reiterated the call for the inclusion of Christian Religion Knowledge, CRK, in the school curriculum and the employment of CRK teachers to help instill moral values in children at both the basic and higher levels of education in the state.
The cleric stated this during a thanksgiving service to mark one year in office of Governor Mohammed Umar Bago, organised by the office of State Coordinator, Christian Affairs, in collaboration with CAN in Minna, the state capital.
Most Rev. Yohanna, the Catholic Bishop of Kontagora Diocese, said inculcating moral values in our children and wards would help to ensure peace and stability reign in the state.
He further assured Governor Bago of the commitment of the leadership of CAN and its members in praying and supporting him in achieving his New Niger Agenda while commending him on his developmental strides.
In his remarks, Governor Bago, represented by the Commissioner for Small and Medium Enterprises, Mrs Elizabeth Shaba, thanked Christians across the state for their prayers and support given to his administration.
According to Shaba: “The governor has listening ears and is ready to listen to any issue bothering you. Speak up and solutions will be given. He operates an open-door policy.”
Earlier, the state coordinator for Christian affairs, Pastor Lawrence Isa, urged Christians not to relent in their prayers for the Governor Bago-led administration to succeed in the provision of more dividends of democracy across the state.
In their separate goodwill messages, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Jonathan Wasa and Special Adviser to the Governor, Jonathan Tsado Vatsa, noted the need for unity and prayers by all to ensure the governor prospers in his efforts at piloting the affairs of the state.
According to Vatsa: “I challenged Christians and the church to participate in politics by coming out of their comfort zones if they must be recognised in times of decision-making. They must stop all the negative impressions and complaining.”