By Demola Atobaba.
Christians across the world have been urged to be true soldiers of Christ both in words and deeds in the society.
Addressing the congregation during the formal inauguration of the new State Executives of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ekiti State Branch, held at First Baptist Church, Ado-Ekiti, the State capital.
The new Chairman, Rev.Emmanuel Adeyinka Aribasoye, said Christians should not take their belief and faith in Christ Jesus with levity but to be true soldiers for their Maker who sent them to the world.
The Cleric, admonished the congregation to depend solely on God regardless of the changing situations of life, noting that things of the world are ephemeral which do not last.
The religious leader was hoping that the country would overcome the present insecurity challenges ravaging the land, adding that Christians should not relent in offering their prayers to God daily to heal the land in totality.
In his insightful message which he tagged “The Birth of Newness”, Dr. Aribasoye, said a new era of leadership for CAN in the State is unfolding.
“Newness is a reality of presenting originality, restructuring, inventiveness and remodification of the existing structure to pave way for more inclusive coexistence of the member body of Church culminating into CAN in Ekiti State.
He pledged his readiness and desire to take Ekiti CAN to the next level of greatness.
In his word, “It is my desire to embrace and offer newness in all areas of life for CAN. Newness of purpose; newness of mission exhibitions and accomplishment; newness in leadership-followership relationship; newness in our cooperative programms and relational coexistence with members bodies and affiliated bodies like the Bible Society of Nigeria and the likes. Newness for reorientation of Christians in societal inclusiveness; newness in officers’ approach to work; and newness in all areas where applicable and areas where God desires”.
Speaking further, Rev. Aribasoye, who doubles as the Conference President of the Ekiti Baptist Conference, highlighted the proposed six-cardinal areas of newness of his administration which include: “Newness of Oneness; Newness of Participation; Newness in Prayer; Newness of Influence; Newness in Church Discipline and Newness of Physical Development”.
In a separate interview with newsmen shortly after the event, the National Director of Ecumenical Relations and Interfaith of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev. Dr Testimony Oyewole Onifade, described the ceremony as a confirmation of the confidence reposed in the Nigerian Baptist Convention products, saying that wherever you see any Baptist minister serving, they are so amazing, wonderful, hardworking, diligent, faithful and can be trusted in any leadership positions.
“Thank God for the CAN body in Ekiti State for making it possible to have thought of one of us in Baptist circle to become the CAN chairman in the State. I’m trusting God in His wisdom that Rev. Aribasoye will succeed in the tasks ahead of him because his antecedent is something we can rely upon. He’s a leader with character and humility who has sense of responsibility and a christian stewardship. He has indeed been tested and trusted on many occasions.”
Rev. Onifade, therefore urged CAN body to cooperate with the new leader for success as he noted that leadership is not by age but by God’s choice.
“They should cooperate with him and accept him as a leader and they should be praying for him alongside other executive members and agree together in Christ Jesus who’s the key that bonds us together as one entity.”
The new executive members that will pillot the affairs of CAN in the State for the next five years include; Rev. Dr. Emmanuel Adeyinka Aribasoye as the Chairman; Pastor Joseph Olubusoye, Vice Chairman; Evangelizer David Fabusuyi, Secretary; Rev. D. F. Adebayo, Assistance Secretary; Primate Dr. Olorunleke Abe, Treasurer; Rev. E.O. Babare, Financial Secretary, Lady Toyin Henrrietta Jegede, Auditor 1and Pastor Tunji Aina, Auditor 2.
Other officers are Catechist Peter Olutope Oni, Director of Ecumenism & Interfaith; Barr. Olatunji Taiwo, Director of Legal & Public Affairs I; Barr. Oludayo Olorunfemi, Director of Legal & Public Affairs II; Inspector Tori Iliya Gwon, Director of State Issues & Social Welfare; Rev. Canon Oye Filani, Director of Information & Communication; Pastor Simeon Aworinade, Director of Youth and Women Affairs; Rev. S.S. AjAjagunigbal, Director of Planning Research & Strategy and Rev Father Peter A. Olowolafe,Ex-officio.
