The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Kebbi State Chapter, has offered special prayers for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor, Nasir Idris, and the peace, progress and prosperity of Nigeria and the State.
The prayer session, led by the State CAN Chairman, Bishop Ayuba Kanta Yafi, brought together Christian leaders from the 21 Local Government Areas of the state.
Speaking at the gathering held at the Presidential Banquet Hall, Birnin Kebbi, on Saturday, Bishop Yafi commended Governor Nasir 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.
Bishop Kanta Yafi also commended Governor 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 applauded the Governor’s development initiatives, security interventions and investments in education, healthcare and infrastructure.
Bishop Yafi, however, 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 Nasir 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.
“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,” Governor Idris said.
The Governor also identified security as a major priority of his administration, revealing that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had recently approved the deployment of an additional 1,000 soldiers to Kebbi State, with troops deployed to strategic locations across 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.
