When Emir of Kano, Baptists hosted CAN president

History was made at the 93-year-old First Baptist Church, located at France Road in the ancient city of Kano when members of Baptist churches in the Kano metropolis, hosted the number one Christian in the country, the president of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend (Dr) Olasupo Samson Ayokunle, who also doubled as the national chairman of the Baptist Church.

The auditorium was filled to its capacity as members of the church, especially the Kano-born Christian, popularly called the “Magusawa”, church leaders and other dignitaries gave the CAN president and his entourage a rousing reception to the city.

Ayokunle, who could not hold back his excitement at the warm reception expressed his delight, adding, “I bring good tidings to you, from the umbrella body for all Christians; the CAN that I currently serve as the president and also bringing same good tidings from about seven million members of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, with about 15,000 churches spread all over the country.”

In his speech entitled: “Jesus is the way out of road side begging,” Ayokunle, attributed the present challenges facing the country to road side begging and road side trading, which he believes, would not last.

According to him, road side begging is not an easy job, while road side trading also equally has its own effect, noting that one must have  good stamina to weather the storm. He, however, advised them to be confident in God for the restoration of the state and the country at large.

Ayokunle further urged Nigerians not to be overwhelmed with the present situation of the country. Instead, he said, they should be steadfast, prayerful and be determined for a divine turnaround.

Speaking on the mission of Ayokunle to Kano, the state CAN chairman, Reverend Samuel Adeolu Adeyemo, revealed that the CAN chairman desired to pay a visit his constituency, the Baptist churches in Kano metropolis, as well as have a feel of how members of Baptist Church and Christians at large are faring in Kano.

The CAN president who also paid a courtesy visit to the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi 11, commended the traditional ruler for his effort in assisting the downtrodden in the state irrespective of religious, tribal or ethnic affiliations.

“We appreciate the Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, for taking every tribe resident in the state, irrespective of religion and cultural affiliations as his subjects. I pray that the God that made you to ascend the throne of your fathers would continue to guard you to excel and be a blessing to the state and the country at large,” he added.

In his remarks, the Emir appreciated the CAN president on the visit, just as he noted that it was timely as it would continue to foster unity among the two religions in the state and country at large.

He also called on Nigerians not to  attach religious sentiments to any act of criminality, saying there were bad Muslims as well as bad Christians all over the world.

According to him, “the two religions preach peace; therefore, whoever, commits a crime or do anything contrary to the law of the land, he or she should be treated and regarded as an offender and religious coloration should not be read to it.

“I went to a Catholic school at age 8 and throughout that time we were not taught any act of vandalism or terrorism. Parents should allow their children to  mix with children of other religious denominations, so, that they can understand each others,” he added.