The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Chief (Dr.) Edward Onoja has reiterated the resolve of His Excellency Governor Yahaya Bello to anchor the State on fair grounds of religious tolerance, inclusion and equal opportunities of practice.
Chief Onoja spoke when he received a delegation on behalf of the Governor from the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, led by its Assistant General Overseer– Admin, Pastor Johnson Funso Odesola, which paid him courtesy visit in his office in Lokoja on Monday.
Chief Onoja, while welcoming the guests, thanked God for the life of the General Overseer of the RCCG, Pst. Enoch Adejare Adeboye whom he described as “God’s True General and a Shepherd of God’s flock.” He recalled that the Igala National Prayer Conference, INPC was held just recently to intercede for Igala Land, Kogi State, and the country at large.
While telling his guests that Kogi State will become 30 years in August this year, he hinted that despite having had both Christian and Muslim leaders between military and civilian rule in its history, it would take 28 years later for a Chapel to be situated in the State Government House.
He disclosed that Governor Bello, in his unbiased quest for equal opportunities for religious faiths had conceived the idea to build the edifice for Christian worship even before he made the request known to him. “And like a man who does what he says, to the glory of God, he kept to his words. He has also promoted religious balance thereby availing us a level playing ground that allows the Christians to worship without fear or intrusion.
“In our discernment, we recognize the finger of God in all of the feats we have attained because if He doesn’t watch over the city, the watchman watches in vain. We also thank Him as He continues to use our Governor to alley all these vices.
He noted that despite the obvious fact that Kogi is bordered by 10 states which naturally should expose it to banditry, kidnapping, robbery and other related crime, Governor Bello has demonstrated capacity by cutting off the talons of insecurity which had plagued the State before his arrival.
“As his Deputy, my job is more of responsibility and not of authority. Thus, my motive is that my principal and siamese twin brother succeeds and remains a blessing to the people we serve,” he stated.
Chief Onoja extolled Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, a pastor of the RCCG whom he said remains loyal and dedicated to his boss, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, from inception till date, irrespective of criticisms by those who seek to heat the polity. We continually pray they succeed in bringing lasting peace and security to the nation. He also quoted Psalm 127:7, saying “Unless the LORD builds a house, the work of the builders is wasted. Unless the LORD protects a city, guarding it with sentries will do no good”. He continued, “For about two months, we have been inundated with sad news of young girls and boys kidnapped in their numbers across Nigeria. Kogi borders ten states, which makes her more vulnerable to such vices but God almighty has watched over us. The state has been relatively peaceful.
We enjoin Kogites to keep praying for the peace and security of the state”.
He observed that Kogi is not only blessed for being a Confluence State, but that it takes pride in its economic potentials, infrastructural strength and a blueprint centered on developmental policies. He called for prayers for Governor Bello in his drive to Do More for the State which he insisted, remains what the country earnestly desires.
Earlier, Pastor Johnson Odesola, said the Visit had been made possible upon the approval of the General Overseer whom he says assures Governor Bello and his Deputy of his continued prayers. He advised them to remain focused on the mandate of bringing Governance and quality service to the people.
He thanked them for allowing themselves to be used by God to have the edifice of worship for the Christian community in Government House and further prayed God to grant them insights, wisdom divine strength and vision.
The high point of the Visit was the presentation of gift items to Governor Bello and Chief Onoja who led the cleric and his entourage on a tour around the edifice at the Government House Chapel for prayers and other programs.
Part of the delegation were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Mrs. Folashade Arike Ayoade, Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Sunday Faleke, Pst. Henry David Asarapo, Chaplain, Government House Chapel. Others were Pst. and Mrs. Francis Oluwalade from Region 24 of the Church, Regional Evangelists, National Secretaries, Provincial and Zonal Pastors as well as their Assistants, among other guests.
Promise Emmanuel
Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor
22nd March, 2020.
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