At an interdenominational thanksgiving service, held recently to formally welcome the former president of the Christian Association of Nigeria, back home, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, after his service in that capacity, governors, CAN and traditional rulers, have praised Oritsejafor for doing Christianity proud during his six-year tenure.
Clerics and politicians, including the Delta State governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, and his Bayelsa State counterpart, Dr Seriake Dickson, as well as other stakeholders from across the South-South, were on ground to appreciate the cleric for the efforts at moving Christianity forward.
The Delta governor was present with several of his cabinet members, including the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Kingsley Esiso; member representing Warri Constituency in the House of Representatives, Honourable Daniel Reineju; Commissioner for Transport, Honourable Vincent Uduaghan; his Information counterpart, Mr Patrick Ukah; Mr Bright Edejewhro; Honourable Festus Ochonogor; Honourable Joseph Otirhue; Honourable Omimi Esquire; Mrs. Shola Daibo, and other political aides.
Okowa used the occasion to charge Christian leaders to speak up against the ills in the society, stressing that Pastor Oritsejafor, his successor and all Christian leaders in the country must stand up to defend the Church.
The Bayelsa governor was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Chief David Serena Dokubo-Spiff, while the spiritual clan was led by the National President of CAN, Reverend Samson Olasupo Ayokunle, with the chairman, CAN South-South, Archbishop Goddowell Avwomakpa; his deputy, Bishop Imoh Otong; secretary, Reverend Felix Ekiye; National President, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Reverend Felix Omobode; Bishop Simeon Okah; Bishop Isaac Etidia; Bishop J.O. Arhavwarien; chairman, CAN, Delta State chapter, Reverend Gideon Oyobo, among others, present.
Speaking earlier, Dickson also described Pastor Oritsejafor as “a great man who has given direction, authority and credibility to Christianity in the country,” stating that “as he takes a bow in one capacity, he will be assuming responsibility in another capacity.”
Reverend Ayokunle, in his address, who highlighted the various achievements of Oritsejafor, while in office, the impact of which was felt within and outside Nigeria, called on Christians to support their leaders and thanked Oritsejafor for leading the Nigerian Church for six years.
“We continue to bless God for what he has done for the past six years. In Christendom, we lack the spirit of appreciation but we have more of the spirit of criticism. It is very good to criticise but it is not easy to be criticised. The assignment is more than any kind of assignment. It has no salary, no allowance, and makes no provision of anything, yet we are the most criticized in Nigeria,” he stated.
Preaching the only sermon of the day tagged Legacy, Reverend Omobude, who described Oritsejafor as a long-time friend and brother, commended Oritsejafor for his achievements and for being an exemplary leader.
“Whatever contribution Pastor Oritsejafor has made to the Church, those of us that are still in Lagos have a responsibility to further it. God is not unrighteous to forget your labour of love. My dear friend and brother, the church is grateful for your service. May I also remind you that, yes you are out of CAN, you are not out of leadership. We thank God for your life,” Omobude stated.
Responding, Pastor Oritsejafor appreciated all who commended his efforts, stating that “Many times, I have wondered about the Church, what’s going to become of the Church, but I can now see that there is hope for the Church. I appreciate you and thank you that this God who brought you safely take you back safely and give all of you good health, strength and do for you what you cannot do for yourselves.”
The event held at the Word of Life Bible Church, Warri, and was also graced by His Royal Majesty, Ogoni Oghoro I, the Owhorode of Olomu Kingdom; His Royal Majesty, the Pere Kalanama VIII, the Pere of Akugbene Mein Kingdom; His Royal Majesty, Dr Ezegbulem, the Obi of Nsukwa; His Royal Majesty, Captain Evah (rtd), the Pere of Oporomor Kingdom; His Royal Majesty, Dr. Ayemi-Botu OFR, the Pere of Sembere Kingdom and His Royal Majesty, Iduwini Kingdom in Burutu.