VISIT OF METHODIST ARCHBISHOP: WIKE REITERATES THE ROLE OF RELIGIOUS BODIES IN MAINTAINING PEACE AND STABILITY

1.      The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Barr. Ezenwo Nyesom Wike has said that religious organizations play a valuable role in sustaining peace and stability in the country.

2.       Barr. Wike stated this on Thursday, March 14, 2024, when he received a delegation from the Abuja Archdiocese of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, led by the Archbishop, Most Reverend (Dr). Michael O Akinwale on a courtesy visit to the FCTA.

3.      The Minister therefore pledged the support of the FCT Administration to religious organisations in this regard.

4.      He said: “For me, the role the church is playing is very important. So, the government will always partner with the church and other religious groups because the government cannot do it alone. Just like the President said the other day, the country requires prayers for peace, we require prayers for stability, we require prayers for the country to move forward.

5.      “It takes the church and other religious groups that have been responsible and praying for this nation to remain together. And therefore, whatever we can do to support we will always do that. And that is why as FCTA, we take responsibility for maintaining the Christian Centre and the National Mosque. These are two national assets for which the FCTA is responsible for their maintenance because we all believe we serve one God”.

6.        He assured his guests of the willingness of the FCTA to render any form of support to the Methodist church while also assuring them that he would welcome a visit from the head of the Methodist church in Nigeria, the most reverend Oliver Aba.

7.       Speaking earlier the Archbishop said that the visit was to congratulate Barr. Wike on his appointment as FCT Minister, to show solidarity for his visions and wish him well.

8.      He added that the visit was also to inform the Minister of the proposed visit of the Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, the Most Reverend Oliver Aba to the FCT.

9.      While commending the Minister for his revolutionizing work which was gradually changing the face of the FCT, the Archbishop expressed the hope that the Minister will replicate what he did in Rivers State in his capacity as governor of that State.

10.  .Present during the visit were the Accountant General of the Federation, Dr Oluwatoyin Madein, the FCTA General Counsel, Barr. Salman Dako, SSA on Legal and Multilateral Cooperation to the Minister, Barr. Benedict Daudu, the SSA on Environment and Waste Management to the Minister, Dr. Barivure Fred Kpakol and senior officials of the church.

ANTHONY OGUNLEYE

DIRECTOR OF PRESS

OFFICE OF THE HON. MINISTER

14/03/2024

FCTA/ODP/PR/511