CAN Deputy Chairman Rallies support for vulnerable persons, dedicates award to service

From Dooshima Terkura, Makurdi

The Deputy Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria CAN Benue State Chapter, Rev. Jonathan Ugbede has called on the people of the state to support the less privilege and the vulnerable persons in the society.

Ugbede made this appeal at the CAN Secretariat in Makurdi, during the presentation of award on him by Pan African Integrity Initiative Centre Abuja.

The Deputy CAN Chairman noted that the vulnerable in the society needs the support and care for them to live more useful lives capable of benefitting other people.

He explained that the support he was able to extended to people particularly the vulnerable was as a result of the firm support he was enjoying from the Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia.

The State CAN Deputy Chairman disclosed that the Church in the state has continued to enjoy good working relationship with the state Governor, insisting that Governor Alia has never turned down any request by CAN.

Ugbede who called on the Christian community in the state to intensify their support particularly in prayers to enable the Governor achieve more for the people, expressed confidence that with relentless prayers Governor Alia would definitely attract more development to Benue State.

He expressed appreciation to the Christian community in the state for standing by him to develop the Church and also appreciated Pan African Integrity Initiative Centre Abuja for finding him worthy of the honour, saying he did not know that people were watching him and that he did not lobby for the honour even as he was not aware of the award.

Presenting the award on behalf of the National Coordinator of the Centre, Chief Ambassador Sonny Goli, Mr. Timothy Atoza said Rev. Ugbede was selected because of his consistent commitment to humanitarian service and Christian leadership.

Atoza stated that the cleric has facilitated the payment of costly hospital bills for pastors and indigent citizens, often seeking the intervention of the state governor where necessary.

He added that Rev. Ugbede has also taken the gospel beyond church buildings by identifying with displaced persons in Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camps and bringing hope to those affected by hardship.

“You have taken the Gospel beyond church walls by visiting IDP camps, identifying with the displaced, and bringing them hope. Beyond that, you have initiated and driven important projects aimed at the growth and development of the Christian body in this state. In a time when many chase recognition, you have chosen responsibility. When others speak from a distance, you draw near. That, Reverend, is the very essence of missionary integrity.”

He further commended the CAN leader for initiating and supporting projects aimed at strengthening and developing the Christian body in Benue State, describing his actions as a demonstration of genuine missionary integrity and selfless service.

In their separate remarks, the Assistant Secretary of CAN in Benue State, Mike Nkiri; Chairperson of WOWICAN, Lady Cecilia Amishiave; Vice Chairman of the Christian Council of Nigeria, Bishop Joseph Atimga; and Chairman of YOWICAN, Rev. Bobby Tavershima, applauded the Centre for honouring Rev. Ugbede, describing the award as well deserved and expressed confidence that the CAN Deputy Chairman would continue to attract greater recognition in the future due to his dedication to humanitarian service and the advancement of the Church.