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Gov. Oyebanji
..says EKSG returns Missionary Schools to owners in Appreciation of roles of Religious Leaders
The Ekiti state governor Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has expressed confidence on the capability of the pioneer Bishop of Methodist Diocese of Ado Ekiti, Rt Reverend Jeremiah Abidemi Shittu to take the Church mission to a greater height.
The governor spoke yesterday at the event that graced the elevation and enthronement of the Bishop and his wife.
Oyebanji represented by Secretary to the state government,SSG,Dr Habibat Adubiaro congratulated the entire members of the Methodist church family in Nigeria and Eminence, the most Reverend Dr. Oliver Ali Baba who presided the historic occasion of the inauguration of a new Diocese in Ado-Ekiti.
The SSG, Adubiaro and the Bishop
The SSG also congratulated Archbishop of Methodist Diocese ifaki, Archbishop Dr.Sunday Oluyemisi Ogunlere under whose Supra Episcopacy the new Diocese abides.
Dr.Adubiaro heartily rejoiced with the pioneer bishop of the Methodist Diocese of Ado Ekiti,the Rt Reverend Jeremiah Abidemi M. Shittu and his wife on their elevation and enthronement.
She noted that the Rt. Reverend Shittu is a true man of God who has demonstrated his commitment to the church and the gospel right from his ordination as a Deacon and priest.
“His track record of warm character, untainted spiritual, humility, empathic leadership, scriptural and doctrinal competence have all prepared him for this new task.
“” I have no doubt that he will lay a solid foundation for the contentious expansion of the church mission in the new Diocese under his charge she said”
The Governor stated “Rt. Shittu is another street away neighbor of mine,so we have reasons to interact regularly and I am sure you will not be tired of me whenever I call upon you for counsels and prayers.
“As a government we deeply appreciate the role of religious leaders in the socialisation and peaceful co existence of our people who profess different religious beliefs.We will therefore appeal to the church to continue to use her vast influence to promote peace,unity and cooperation among our people.We must never allow bigots and divisive elements to have a place on the pulpit”
The SSG also noted that “we are particularly grateful to the Methodist mission in Ekiti State for their contributions to the development of our state in so many ways of most importance is the education of our children”
Dr. Adubiaro said ” it is an appreciation of this contribution that the state government recently returned some of the schools that were taking over between 1974-1975 to the original mission owners
“I am glad that the Methodist church is one of such churches which have got their schools back and we are confident that with the return these schools will witness a positive rebirth in learning and character as of old.
The SSG who also used the opportunity to appeal to the church to encourage people to go out massively to cast their vote in the coming general election said
“We should also encourage them on atmosphere of peace,our state must remain the bastion of peace and tranquility that it is known for,even during and after the election.
“I also congratulate members of the Methodist Diocese of Ado -Ekiti, the new lay president sir chief Jide Borode and other chieftains of the church on the occasion of this inauguration and enthronement.May God continue to bless His church.”