Historic Milestone for Christendom in Ondo State as CAN Breaks Ground for Ecumenical and Secretariat Complex
Bishop Felix Adejumo, Church Leaders, Dignitaries Hail Unity Initiative; Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo Commended for Landmark Support
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ondo State Chapter, on Tuesday recorded a historic milestone as Christian leaders, government representatives, and members of the Body of Christ gathered at Ibule-Soro in Ifedore Local Government Area for the official Turning of the Sod ceremony of the Ondo State CAN Ecumenical and Secretariat Building Project.
The epoch-making event, described by many as the first of its kind in the history of CAN in Ondo State, attracted an array of distinguished church leaders and stakeholders, including Bishop Felix Adejumo, Apostle Z.O. Adeboriota, Senior Apostle Francis, Rev. Joshua Orikogbe, Pastor Moses Ajayi, Elder Olawale, Rotimi Amos, Hon. Bode Obanla, Hon. Tayo Abidakun Jaja, Barrister Adejumo, Hon. Tolani Isiaka and several other eminent personalities from the five blocs of CAN.
Speaking during the occasion, the Central Senatorial District Coordinator of CAN, Pst. Solomon Arowosebe, expressed profound gratitude to God for making the long-awaited vision a reality. He noted that the project represents a new dawn for Christian unity, administrative efficiency, and kingdom advancement in Ondo State. According to him, the Ecumenical and Secretariat Complex will serve as a symbol of harmony and cooperation among all Christian denominations in the state.
In his goodwill message, Pastor Moses Ajayi, Chairman of CPFN/PFN, described the groundbreaking ceremony as a divine accomplishment and thanked God for making the dream possible. He stated that the event marked a historic chapter in the annals of CAN in Ondo State. Pastor Ajayi prayed for God’s mercy, protection, provision, and guidance upon all workers and stakeholders involved in the project. He also offered heartfelt prayers for the Honourable Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, for his unwavering support and commitment to the growth of the Christian community, noting that the minister had consistently maintained representation at CAN activities despite his demanding national assignments.
Also speaking, Rev. Joshua Orikogbe, Chairman of TEKAN/ECWA in Ondo State, described the project as phenomenal, visionary, and capable of fostering stronger bonds among Christians. He commended the leadership of CAN under Rev. Fr. Anselm Olorunfemi Ologunwa for demonstrating exemplary commitment toward building a lasting legacy for future generations.
Representing the Honourable Minister of Interior, Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, the Diocesan Bishop of Akoko Anglican Communion, The Rt. Rev’d J.O.B. Bada, delivered a powerful goodwill message that resonated deeply with the congregation. He described the minister as “a child of destiny, born for a purpose and raised for the fulfilment of divine prophecies.” Bishop Bada noted that Hon. Tunji-Ojo’s commitment to supporting the Church stems from his understanding of God’s purpose for his life and his passion for impacting humanity positively.
The Bishop further emphasized that wealth and influence should be viewed as instruments for advancing God’s kingdom and uplifting society. Drawing inspiration from the Scriptures, he encouraged Christians to celebrate and support believers who use their resources for the advancement of the gospel and humanitarian causes. He commended Hon. Tunji-Ojo’s generosity and steadfast commitment to the household of faith, describing him as a blessing to the Church, Ondo State, and the nation at large.
One of the spiritual highlights of the ceremony was the special prayer session led by Bishop Felix Adejumo alongside Rev. Ojimiwo and other fathers of faith. The clerics fervently dedicated the land to God, praying for divine sanctification, protection, successful completion of the project, and its future impact on generations of Christians.
Earlier in his project overview presentation, the State Chairman of CAN, Rev. Fr. Anselm Olorunfemi Ologunwa, unveiled the grand vision behind the Ecumenical and Secretariat Building. He explained that the project is designed to provide a permanent headquarters for CAN in Ondo State, serving as a house of unity for all five blocs of the association—CSN, CCN, CPFN/PFN, OAIC, and TEKAN/ECWA. He said the facility would also function as an administrative hub for Christian activities and a visible symbol of the Church’s commitment to peace, development, and moral leadership.
According to Rev. Fr. Ologunwa, the first phase of the project includes site preparation, foundation works, construction of a 2,000-capacity worship centre, a modern secretariat wing, guest house, and a 1,500-seat event hall. He noted that the project would strengthen Christian unity, enhance administrative coordination, provide training opportunities for pastors and youths, create employment opportunities, and expand humanitarian outreach across all eighteen local government areas of Ondo State.
The CAN Chairman further highlighted that the project would position Ondo State as a model for ecumenical cooperation in Nigeria and provide a platform for hosting national Christian programmes and engagements. He expressed profound appreciation to Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, church leaders, CAN executives, and all partners whose support has brought the vision to fruition.
As the symbolic turning of the sod was performed amidst prayers, songs of thanksgiving, and joyful celebration, attendees described the event as the beginning of a transformative journey for Christendom in Ondo State. The atmosphere was filled with hope and expectation that the proposed complex would stand as a beacon of unity, faith, service, and kingdom advancement for generations to come.
The ceremony concluded with a renewed call for Christians across Ondo State and beyond to support the project through prayers, goodwill, and sacrificial giving, in line with the biblical declaration that “Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it.”
Indeed, the groundbreaking ceremony marked not merely the commencement of a building project, but the laying of a foundation for greater Christian unity, stronger institutional development, and a lasting legacy for the Church in Ondo State.