By Ogochukwu Isioma in Benin City
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has said the state government will reconstitute the state Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board.
He said this during a courtesy visit by the new leadership of the Edo State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) led by Chairman, Apostle General (Dr) Irekpono Omoike, at the Government House, in Benin City.
He said, “The Pilgrims Welfare Board will be reconstituted immediately. I received a correspondent last week from the National Pilgrims Welfare Board announcing the list of the pilgrimages for the next season so we need to have the board reconstituted, organized and I will be reconstituting all of the boards now.”
The governor hailed CAN for its contributions to the growth of the state and in promoting peace and stability and providing succour to the needy, noting, “Even though you are not political, we politicians have a lot to learn from you, the way you organize your activities.
“God puts the government in place with authority to take charge and do his will to his people. Unfortunately, when governments are not properly organized, they fail to do what they are expected to do to the people to take care of them which becomes an additional burden to the body of Christ.
Obaseki continued, “If government did what they are expected to do, you will have more time to organize and make a greater audience accept the word rather thinking how you can sustain them.”
“It is in our interest as government that it is until we live up to our full responsibility, which is to understand what you are doing for the society and support you proactively, a collaboration that must continue to work, we can get to where God wants us to be,” he added.
On his support for a music talent hunt for youths, Obaseki said, “I made a pledge to support a Christian music talent hunt because what we do as government is about tomorrow, it’s about the next generation, the young people. As a government we are doing as much as we can to support them, strengthen them, give them hope to be able to express themselves and live life to its full potential and expose them to the world.
“There are lot of talented youths and groups out there in the Christian body and I would like the new executives to give me its concept as regards the setting up, nominating people, the music directors from the various senatorial zones to start the screening process, set up dates and times for these events so that the senatorial prizes can be given out by October 1 and the finals in the Christmas season.
The Chairman of the Edo State Chapter of CAN, Apostle General Omoike expressed appreciation to the governor for his undiluted support the Christian body has received over the last six and half years.
