Speeches

National/International Thanksgiving Celebration Of Christian Pentecostal Mission International

Dec 6, 2009 - I am delighted to be at this occasion organized to mark the National/International thanksgiving service of the Christian Pentecostal Mission International, Believers Cathedral, Lagos.

Your choice of theme for this year’s celebration “Thanksgiving of Risen Glory”, best captures the spirit of the season, especially coming at a time of the year when we should be thankful to God for seeing us through the turmoil of the past trying months and for His mercies and guidance in the months ahead.

I would therefore, like to congratulate the General Overseer of the Church, Rev. Dr. O Ezekiel, the National/International Coordinator of the Church, Rev Dr. (Mrs.) M. Ezekiel, the thanksgiving planning committee and the entire congregation of the Church on this occasion of the thanksgiving celebration.

I am aware that Christian Pentecostal Mission International has come a long way in carrying out the vision and mission of spreading the gospel of Christ; teaching the word of God as contained in the Holy Scripture and also supporting the members of the church especially in building them up spiritually, morally and socially.

I can only urge you to continue the great work and provide the spiritual platform for your members to become good citizens and caring neighbours in their various communities.

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, it should be re-emphasised that religion is one of the veritable tools for social integration, and harmonious co-existence in our society. As a great social institution with great followership, the church has also become a powerful tool for moral rejuvenation, helping to stabilize our society from descending into total moral decay. We appreciate the level of tolerance that the various religious organizations in Lagos has been displaying. We will encourage all of us to continue in this spirit.

As a government that recognizes the central role that religion plays in our society, we are determined to continue to do our part by providing good governance to the benefits of all residents. Our vision to ensure that we deliver on all our promises by the grace of God and your co-operation.

Let me therefore, strongly appeal for more support and understanding of all residents and various religious organizations on the need to partner with us in our commitment to build a better and more prosperous Lagos. The active involvement, support and cooperation of private and religious organizations like yours, therefore, is essential in providing necessary incentives and encouragement for the success of our numerous policies and programmes targeted at improving the welfare and wellbeing of the residents of the State.

Before ending, let me remind you of your part of the social contract. Let us all discharge our social responsibility and be good examples to others.

Finally, I congratulate the General Overseer of the Church, Rev. Dr. O Ezekiel, the National/International Coordinator of the Church, Rev Dr. (Mrs.) M. Ezekiel, the thanksgiving celebration planning committee and the entire congregation of the Church on the success of the thanksgiving celebration and wish you all many more years in this vineyard.

May the peace of God continue to abide with you all.

Thank you for listening and God bless.

Eko o ni baje o!

BABATUNDE RAJI FASHOLA, SAN
GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE