BAYELSA ECUMENICAL CENTRE IS AS MASTERPIECE, SAYS CAN PRESIDENT

…john Jonah Calls For Prayers For State And Country, As 2019 Elections Draw Closer

National President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Dr. Samson Ayokunle on Tuesday described the 15,000-seater Bayelsa Ecumenical Centre built by the Governor Henry Seriake Dickson led administration, as a masterpiece, which Christians all over the Country are proud of.

Dr. Ayokunle stated this, when he led members of the Christian Association Nigeria, (CAN) on a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah (rtd), at Government House, Yenagoa.

The CAN National President, who noted that, the edifice surpasses the Abuja Ecumenical Centre built by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, however, called for a good maintenance culture to preserve the edifice for future generations.

Rev. Ayokunle, who is also the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, appealed to the state government to provide land for the convention to build its state Secretariat in Yenagoa, the completion of the access roads leading to the Baptist Centre at Iyambiri-Zarama in Yenagoa Local Government Area, completion of a hospital and health centre, under construction as well as the provision of medical equipment.

While appreciating Governor Dickson for appointing clergymen into positions of trust in his administration, Dr. Ayokunle prayed God to give him the wisdom, good health and foresight to continue his developmental projects in the state.

He also used the occasion to commiserate with the governor over the death of his mother, Mrs. Goldcoast Dickson, who died of cancer in the USA.

In his remarks, the State Deputy Governor, Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah said, churches have made tremendous contributions to the development, peace and stability of the country, as well as stepping up national issues.

He appreciated the CAN leadership for the visit, noting that, Bayelsa state is a Christian state, with an annual Thanksgiving Day backed by law to appreciate God.

While assuring that, the request for land, among several others would be conveyed to Governor Seriake Dickson, he charged the clergy to continually pray for Bayelsa state and the country at large, in view of the myriad of challenges facing the nation, even as the 2019 General Election gradually approaches.