The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has once again reaffirmed his administration's unwavering commitment to religious freedom, equity and inclusiveness as it recognises the vital role that religious organisations play in promoting peace, harmony and development in the State.

The Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun reaffirmed this commitment while declaring open a Thanksgiving Service and Symposium to mark the first year in office of the Executive members of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ogun State Chapter under the Chairmanship of the Bishop of Egba Anglican Diocese, Rt. Revd. Dr. Oludaisi Adekunle, held at the Silver Jubilee Multipurpose hall, Bishop's Court, Onikolobo, Abeokuta.

Represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, Gov. Abiodun said the cooperation being enjoyed by the religious bodies has made Ogun State a place where people of all faiths can practice their beliefs without fear or favour, appreciated them for the harmony in existence and pledged to keep preserving and promoting such.

"We are proud of the religious harmony that exists in our dear State and we will do all within our power to preserve and promote it. As you mark this important milestone, I urge you to reflect not only on the achievements of the past but also on the immense responsibilities ahead. There is still work to be done in our communities, our dear State and great nation, Nigeria", the governor said.

While congratulating the State Chairman and his executive council members for celebrating a year of accountability and transparency, Prince Abiodun urged them to continue to serve with diligence and fear of God as leadership is not a title but a trust and such must be held in high esteem.

"As we embody the principles of stewardship, remember that it is not just about managing resources wisely but also about fostering relationships and creating environments where faith can flourish. Stewardship involves listening to the needs of our brothers and sisters, being advocates for the voiceless and extending a helping hand to those in need", the gov said.

In their goodwill messages, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Dr. Adedotun Gbadebo and the Ajalaye of Ijebu Ilugun South, Alayeluwa Oba Emmanuel Olusanu  congratulated the Rt. Revd. Adekunle led executive for impactful leadership provided in the last one year and called on them to go and close the gap by assessing where they are and where they are expected to be.

They charged them to intensify more efforts on evangelism, as today's service is characterized with lip service and there is no right standing with God, and advised that such be jettisoned for the good of the society.

In his exhortation, the Head of Catholic Secretariat, the Most Revd. Dr. Peter Odetoyinbo  admonished them to continue to heed to the commands of God, love one another and seize the occasion to renew their commitment to God, as all competition, supremacy tussle, bitterness and envy must be shunned for better service to God.

In his remarks, the CAN Chairman, Rt. Revd. Dr. Adekunle appreciated the executive members for their support, diligence and commitment and called for continuous steadfastness in the service of God and prayed God to see them through the 5-year journey that its first year is being celebrated.

The Hon. Speaker of the Ogun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide who also attended the thanksgiving service was billed to deliver the anniversary symposium lecture titled "Christian Leadership amidst Deterioration ".

Also in attendance was the Archbishop of the Lagos Province Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion who doubles as the Bishop of the Diocese of Remo, Most Revd. Olusina Fape, amongst other dignitaries.