Benue Govt Donates N50m For Construction Of CAN Office

Benue State government has donated N50 million for the construction of a 30-room accommodation at the state secretariat of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN).

Governor Samuel Ortom, who announced the donation during the commissioning of the multi-purpose secretariat of CAN in Makurdi, reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to religious tolerance and harmony and commended the unity that exists among the various Christian blocks in the state.

The governor expressed optimism that the building would be completed before the expiration of his tenure to provide accommodation for Christian leaders visiting the state adding that it will also serve as a source of revenue for CAN.

The governor who lauded State CAN under the leadership of Rev. Akpen Leva for prudent utilization of the funds earlier provided for the secretariat project, stated that the construction of the edifice was a deliberate move to give dignity to the state which has a predominant Christian population.

According to Ortom, the ascendancy of two traditional rulers, the Tor Tiv, Prof. James Ayatse and Och’Idoma, Dr. John Elaigwu Odogbo who are both Christians was a product of the dedication of Benue State to God.

He emphasised the need for Christians to be steadfast in the works of charity and contribute to the growth of the church.

He disclosed that the new CAN secretariat building is a product of his friendship with Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State whose goodwill had sowed the seed for CAN in Benue to acquire the land for the building of the secretariat.

Governor Ortom also expressed gratitude to the president of CAN, Most Rev. Daniel Okoh for graciously honouring the state to dedicate the secretariat.

In his address, the president of CAN, His Eminence, Most Rev. Okoh, who dedicated the secretariat, described the event as historic, stating that the edifice shall remain a rallying point that enhances our movement toward Christian unity.

The CAN president declared that “The Church in Benue State has come to stay and it shall continue to break new grounds, the coalition of the forces of evil shall not be able to stop the move of God in this state.”