The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Supo Ayokunle has presented a Bible to the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello for building a Christian chapel in the Government House, Lokoja.
Ayokunle presented the Bible to the governor on Monday, commending him for the initiative as it would help a great deal in fostering interreligious harmony and peaceful coexistence of the two faiths in the state.
Independent reports that the governor revealed in his speech that constructing a chapel in the government house had been part of his resolve, adding that during his 2015 campaign he observed the absence and decided to do so if given the opportunity to govern the state.
Bello said that the chapel was not just meant to serve as a house of worship but also as a “symbol of the access, welcome and inclusion which we have worked to guarantee all citizens in our public institutions.
“When I arrived here as governor by the peculiar deeds of God, the construction of a bespoke place of worship for Christians inside the premises of the Kogi State Government House became a personal aspiration of mine.
“We must understand that in Kogi State, strong components of Islam and Christianity have lived side by side since precolonial times and have cooperated in every area of life and endeavour.
“I believe that it is vitally critical for our seat of power to also make a symbolic statement of welcome for adherents of the two major faiths. Thus, I found it sad that for no reason other than, perhaps, the personal wishes of my predecessors in Office, Government House, Lokoja has no custom-built place of worship for Christians.” He said.
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