Progress Abisola
The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has preached religious harmony among Nigerians, warning that fanaticism is a potent destroyer of prosperity and progress of a nation.
Oyebanji pledged his unflinching commitment to maintaining a strong balance and equality among all religions in the state to further entrench the culture and spirit of unity among diverse Nigerians.
The governor said these in Ado Ekiti, on Saturday, during the 50th Priesthood Anniversary of the Primate of the Jerusalem Church of the Lord International, Ado Ekiti, Her Eminence, Dr. Iya-Ewe Babayemi.
Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, saluted the world acclaimed Cleric for her exemplary contributions to the spiritual growth of Ekiti citizens and across global community.
He described Dr. Babayemi as one of the the few priests whose imprints had been felt in the pivotal areas of community development, human empowerment and building of high social and spiritual morality.
Speaking about his unshaken believe in the doctrine and principle of religious tolerance, Oyebanji said: “Let me restate here that our governor is one leader who stoutly believes in peaceful co-existence among all the religions in the state.
” He has been preaching and exhibiting this in his actions and by way of building the spirit of brotherhood with all religious leaders, regardless of denominations.
“This underscored that a state cannot profit anything from religious intolerance. Let us continue to see ourselves as one people in God specially created to serve Him and humanity in the most peaceful and progressive way. This is the best way to build a society we can all be proud of”.
Oyebanji congratulated Dr. Babayemi for her unbruised five decades of exemplary service in God’s vineyard, describing her as a honest, selfless and spiritually endowed leader in temple of God.
” 50 years of service to God Almighty is highly remarkable and worth celebrating. This particularly worths celebrating in the sense that while others are wasting away and indulging in criminalities and sins, our mother decided to follow the light and path of truth.
“This Ministry has contributed immensely to the spiritual growth of Ekiti people, and has helped in reshaping the lives of many citizens for better. Our government and the entire citizens are proud of the series of empowerments that had been undertaken by this Church and other special contributions that have impacted positively in the lives of Ekiti populace”.
Primate Babayemi, who appreciated God for keeping her Ministry strong and blossoming for five decades, urged Nigerians to be fervent in prayers, so that the current economic situation can be reversed in no distant time.
The Cleric commended the state government under Governor Oyebanji for ensuring peace among all religions, saying this was responsible for the steady progress being witnessed in the state.
“I believe there is nothing God can’t do. Our situation is not beyond what God Almighty can do. We need prayers in our land. But let me remind you that nothing profits a man like serving God. Since I turned to Him, I have seen His glory, mercy and grace upon my life since I began this journey. I thank God it was glorious in the end”.
Dr Babayemi promised to continually deploy the Ministry to ensure spiritual rebirth for citizens and contribute more to the growth of human capital resources in the state.
“On the 3rd of March 1988, the foundation of the present main church building was laid. On the 18th of March 1989, the Lord made the pronouncement that the Church shall henceforth be named and called “Jerusalem Church of the Lord International ”. I have seen God’s goodness, I believe He is kind to those who serve Him faithfully”.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Hon Bolaji Olagbaju, Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro, top government officials, men of God across denominations, among others.