Kebbi: CAN offers prayers for Tinubu, Idris

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kebbi State Chapter has offered special prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris.

The leadership of the Christian community also prayed for the peace, progress, and prosperity of Nigeria and Kebbi State.

The prayer session, led by the State CAN Chairman, Bishop Ayuba Yafi Kanta, brought together Christian leaders and representatives from the 21 Local Government Areas of the state. 

Special prayers were also offered by Rev. Nathaniel Kangiwa and Rev. Ochimana Joshua.

Speaking at the gathering held at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Birnin Kebbi on Saturday, Bishop Kanta commended Governor Idris for what he described as his “pragmatic leadership of all-inclusiveness,” saying the Christian community appreciated the administration’s commitment to religious harmony, freedom of worship, and peaceful coexistence.

According to him, the gathering was particularly significant because it was the first time since the creation of Kebbi State that Christians had been formally brought together and specially invited to pray for the leadership of the state and the nation.

He also commended Idris for supporting the Christian community through various interventions, including the provision of land and financial assistance for a Christian burial ground, support for the completion of the CAN Secretariat, assistance to Christian activities during festive periods, and empowerment programmes.

He equally acknowledged the contributions of the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Architect Sani Aliyu, whom he described as “a bridge builder” who had consistently intervened in religious matters and promoted peaceful coexistence among the people.

The CAN chairman further praised the Governor’s development initiatives, particularly the Koko-Zuru Road, security interventions, and investments in education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

He said the improved condition of the Koko-Zuru Road had significantly reduced travel time to the area, while expressing appreciation for the Governor’s efforts to address challenges affecting communities across the state.

The revered clergyman appealed to the state government to sustain its engagement with the Christian community and give continued attention to issues relating to religious instruction, worship centres, representation, and other concerns affecting Christians in the state.

Responding, Governor Idris thanked the CAN leadership and members for organising the prayer session and for their goodwill towards his administration and President Tinubu.

The Governor said the prayers came at an important time, expressing confidence in their impact and assuring the gathering that his administration would continue to work for the peace, security and development of Kebbi State without discrimination based on religion or ethnicity.

He said: “My administration is committed to sustaining development across the state. 

“We will continue to implement projects based on consultations with communities and stakeholders, because our objective is to improve the living conditions of our people.”

Idris highlighted ongoing interventions in education, healthcare, rural roads, and other critical infrastructure, stressing that his administration would continue to pursue projects capable of improving the quality of life of residents.

He also identified security as a major priority of his administration, revealing that President Tinubu had recently approved the deployment of an additional 1,000 soldiers to Kebbi State, with troops deployed to strategic locations across the state.

He also expressed appreciation to President Tinubu for his support to Kebbi State, particularly in the areas of security and road infrastructure.

He cited the Koko-Besse Road and other major federal road projects as examples of the Federal Government’s interventions in the state.

“We in Kebbi State have no cause whatsoever not to support Mr. President because you have brought what others have not done for us,” he said.

The Governor assured residents that his administration would continue to pursue development while promoting religious fairness, peace, inclusiveness and equal treatment for all citizens.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Sani Aliyu, expressed the state government’s appreciation to the Christian Association of Nigeria for its continued support and commitment to peaceful religious coexistence.

The Commissioner clarified that the Hisbah Law was not intended to force anyone to embrace Islam, but rather to promote mutual understanding, discipline, and peaceful coexistence in society within the provisions of the law.

He also assured the Christian community that Governor Idris would carefully consider and address the issues raised by CAN one after another.

The event featured prayers, goodwill messages and presentations, including an award presented by CAN to Governor Nasir Idris in recognition of what the association described as his “unwavering commitment to religious tolerance, freedom of worship and inclusiveness.”

𝕤𝕖𝕖 𝕞𝕠𝕣𝕖/𝕨𝕒𝕥𝕔𝕙 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕧𝕚𝕕𝕖𝕠 𝕙𝕖𝕣𝕖