The outgoing Governor of Delta State, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, has defended the construction of a 2,000-capacity ecumenical centre in Asaba for the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Okowa, who spoke during the inauguration of the ecumenical center, described it as a symbol of unity for the church in the state.
Delta State is predominantly Christian, and Governor Okowa noted that the church must remain prayerful to ensure that the glory of God continues to manifest on the people and the state. The governor also took the opportunity to express appreciation to religious leaders in the state for their support during his tenure. He charged them to extend the same support and prayer to the incoming administration of Sheriff Oborevwori.
Speaking at the CAN Secretariat Complex, Governor Okowa emphasized the importance of having a place where Christians could meet, call their own, and truly unite. He congratulated the Ministry of Housing, the Consultant, Contemporary Design Associates, and the contractor, North China Construction Company for delivering the project successfully.
In his speech, the state Commissioner for Housing, Chief Festus Ochonogor, stated that the project, which is a two-story building, was approved in March 2019. The secretariat complex boasts of a 2,000-capacity auditorium with a mezzanine suspended floor, conference room, chairman’s office, dressing areas, sound and studio room, offices, conveniences, generator, generator house, gatehouse, and other auxiliary facilities.
The Delta State Chairman of CAN, Senior Apostle Sylvester Okorote, expressed appreciation to God for what He had done in the state, even as he praised Governor Okowa for finishing the CAN secretariat complex. According to Okorote, the edifice was solely executed by the state government, without any bloc of CAN contributing a dime to the project.
In conclusion, Governor Okowa’s defense of the construction of the CAN ecumenical center has solidified the government’s commitment to promoting religious freedom in the state. The centre, a symbol of Christian unity, is expected to serve as a beacon of hope, where Christians in Delta state can gather and exercise their faith without fear or intimidation.
