By Ireoluwa Precious.
Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has congratulated the entire members of the Methodist church family in Nigeria and His Eminence, The Most Reverend Oliver Ali Baba on the historic inauguration of a new Diocese, in Ado-Ekiti,Ekiti State.
The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the Ekiti State Government, Dr.Habibat Omolara Adubiaro, felicitated Archbishop of Methodist Diocese of Ifaki, Archbishop Dr.sunday Oluyemisi Ogunlere under whose Supra Episcopacy the new Diocese abides.
A news release by the Information Officer, Blessing Bolaji,says the SSG 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. Adding that,”there is no doubt that the Rt. Rev. 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,exemplified by his track record of warm character, humility, empathic leadership, spiritual,scriptural and doctrinal competence which 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. 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 its 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 was also particularly grateful to the Methodist mission in Ekiti State for their contributions to the development of the state in so many ways especially in the education of the youth. She cited this as one of the reasons the State government returned some of the schools that were taking over between 1974 and 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 release further notes that the State’s Scribe appealed to the church to encourage people to go out massively to cast their votes in the coming general elections as well as admonishing them to embrace atmosphere of peace so that the State must remain the bastion of peace and tranquility that it is known for,even during and after the election.