By Ighomuaye Lucky. O
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has finally inaugurated the Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board and to be headed by the Chairman of the State’s Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Apst. Gen. Dr. Irekpono Omoike.
The board was inaugurated at the Government House, Benin City, the Edo State capital.
The governor said, “I can’t thank CAN enough for coming up and working with me on the Christian Feeding Programme (CFP).
“Let me apologize on behalf of some misguided political actors who wanted to drag the good work you are doing in the Lord’s vineyard into the murky waters of politics in the unfortunate incident relating to the CFP which you have diligently and sacrificially undertaken for us.
“I was really sad when I heard that some people were playing politics with the efforts you have made, making all sorts of claims that you were re-bagging products given by somebody else, but glad with the response you made.”
On the inauguration of the board, Obaseki stated, “I am pleased to have members of the Edo State Christian Welfare Pilgrims Board inaugurated today.
“This inauguration is long overdue as we deal with a lot of restructuring in government to align agencies and departments.
“Edo is a Christian State and Christianity has remained a solid pillar for us as a people and our administration in particular. Beyond spirituality, we have found the Church in Edo State as a veritable tool and instrument to reach out to people as a government.
“Our citizens take their problems and burdens to the doorsteps of the church. It’s important, as a government, to understand the pains, plight, and challenges our people are going through. It is also important to collaborate with religious leaders to lead us to our people to understand their plight as we think through programmes and policies to help us reach the citizens of our State.
“We have created a strong bond between the State, clergy, and the church. The church and the State have the responsibility and commitment to cater to the needs of the people and engender development and progress in the State.
“We see the board beyond just helping organize pilgrims as before you organize the pilgrims, you will help to organize the Christian body. In putting this body together we looked across the spectrum to select very respected members to be appointed to run the body.
“I want to charge the board to live up to the highest standard set for them and ensure that they act appropriately in the discharge of their duties. You have a responsibility to help us lead our pilgrims on pilgrimages where they went to seek deep relationship and connection with God when they visit the holy site.”
He continued, “The body is set up to help more structured coordination of Christian pilgrims from the State.”
In his response, the chairman of the board, Apst. Gen. Dr. Irekpono Omoike, thanked the governor for the confidence reposed in him and members of the board, pledging to efficiently deliver on their duties and responsibilities.
