— Back ecumenical centre project in Ondo

By Dayo Johnson Akure

Christian leaders in Ondo State, have warned political leaders against politicising the country’s security challenges, insisting that the protection of lives and property should not be subjected to partisan interests.

The warning came during the turning of the sod for the Ondo State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria Ecumenical Centre in Akure, a project facilitated by the Minister of Interior, Hon. Bunmi Tunji-Ojo.

Founder of Agape Christian Ministries and Convener of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Felix Adejumo and the Catholic Bishop of Ondo Diocese, Most Rev. Jude Arogundade, spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony.

They expressed concern over persistent insecurity and killings across the country.

Bishop Adejumo said leaders must stop pretending not to know the causes of insecurity and take decisive steps to end the bloodshed.

According to him “Our leaders and politicians should not play politics with the security of lives and property in Nigeria.

” The blood that is being shed in this nation is crying daily and they need to bring an end to this carnage that we are seeing,” he said.

In his remarks, Bishop Arogundade condemned the alleged importation of bandits and terrorists into Nigeria, describing it as an act of treason against the country’s sovereignty.

He said individuals who facilitate the entry of armed fighters from outside the country to attack Nigerian citizens should be held accountable.

“To bring fighters from outside the country to kill Nigerian citizens is treason against the sovereignty of Nigeria,” Arogundade said.

He alleged that some influential figures had in the past openly boasted about bringing armed elements into the country, adding that such actions would attract severe punishment in any civilised society.

The bishop expressed concern that despite widespread allegations surrounding the activities of criminal groups, many of those responsible had yet to be brought to justice.

He said Nigerians deserve answers regarding the sources and sponsors of insecurity.

The cleric challenged the government to take firmer action against individuals aiding criminal activities, warning that leaders would be held accountable if they failed to confront those making life unbearable for citizens.

While urging security agencies to intensify efforts to tackle banditry and terrorism, Arogundade said religious leaders would continue to play their role through prayers, public engagement and mobilisation of communities in support of peace and security.

He appealed to residents not to panic, noting that consultations and security meetings were ongoing among stakeholders to safeguard lives and property.

“We are not sleeping. There are meetings and consultations going on every day. We must remain calm and continue to support efforts aimed at securing our communities and our country,” he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Ondo State chapter of CAN, Rev. Anselm Ologunwa, commended the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for sponsoring the acquisition of land and supporting the construction of the Ecumenical Centre.

Ologunwa said Tunji-Ojo purchased the 14-plot site for the centre after learning that CAN lacked a permanent conference facility in the state.

He added that the minister also provided substantial funds to commence the project, describing the intervention as a major contribution to Christian unity and development in Ondo State.

Representing the Minister, Rev. Jacob Olajide Bada reaffirmed Tunji-Ojo’s commitment to the project, describing it as a platform that would promote faith, unity and national transformation.

According to him, the minister believes that sincere worship and prayers remain vital to Nigeria’s progress and restoration.

“The minister is promising his support for this project because he believes in it.

He knows that when the worship of God is in order and people serve God with sincere hearts, we are serving a Lord that answers prayers,” Bada said.

He expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, saying the country’s lost glory would be restored.

“There is no country like Nigeria. There have been prophecies since 1926 that the glory of the Lord over Nigeria will unfold at the fullness of time, and we are very close to that moment,” he stated.

Bada added that the Ecumenical Centre would serve as a prayer hub where Christians would continuously intercede for the nation, expressing confidence that God’s promises concerning Nigeria would come to pass.

“This is a place where prayers will go on continuously for God to remember His promises over Nigeria, and it will surely come to pass,” he added.