Christians across Lagos East Senatorial District, under the auspices of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), converged for the annual Senator Mukhail Adetokunbo Abiru Lent Service and Prayer Session, in a demonstration of faith, unity, and interfaith harmony.
The event, which followed the successful Ramadan Lecture Series organised by Senator Abiru across the senatorial district, stressed the lawmaker’s commitment to inclusive leadership, religious tolerance, and community cohesion.
Representing the Senator at the event, Otunba Saheed Oladapo Ibikunle, PhD, Special Adviser on Constituency Matters, emphasised that the initiative reflects Senator Abiru’s deliberate effort to engage with all segments of his constituency, irrespective of religious affiliation.
“The Senator is committed to engaging with all strata of the constituency and respecting what they practice. That is why he actively participated in the Ramadan Tafsir and is now identifying with the Christian community during Lent. This is what true representation means,” Ibikunle said.
He urged Nigerians to reject divisive tendencies rooted in religion, noting that both Christians and Muslims worship the same God and should not allow religious differences to breed hatred or disunity.
“There should be no delineation based on religion when it comes to leadership and civic responsibility. Ramadan and Lent coexisted this year, and that is a powerful message of unity. We must see ourselves as brothers and sisters and resist any attempt to use religion as a tool for division,” he added.
In his remarks, the Chairman of CAN in Lagos East Senatorial District, Reverend Joshua Ojo, commended the initiative, describing it as a laudable platform that fosters unity and spiritual reflection among Christians in the district.
“This is a commendable initiative, and we appreciate it. This is the second edition, and bringing Christians together in this manner promotes unity and brotherliness. It is also a period of sober reflection and collective prayers for a better Nigeria,” he said.
Delivering the sermon, the Guest Minister, Venerable Gbenga Matthew Babatunde, Provost of the African Church Bethel Cathedral, Aga, Ikorodu, spoke on the theme “Doing Good,” drawing parallels between Christian teachings and Senator Abiru’s #DoingGood mantra.
He stressed that doing good is a fundamental obligation for all believers, urging the christains to live lives of service to humanity and devotion to God.
“Doing good is a divine mandate. God has called us to serve humanity across all divides. Like the parable of talents teaches us, our gifts are of no value until they are put to use. We must deploy our talents in the service of God and mankind,” he said.
The event attracted several dignitaries and political leaders, including Yeye Olayinka Olusanya, APC Vice Chairman, Lagos East Senatorial District; Deaconess Wonuola Aderibigbe-Oshinowo, JP, Lagos East Women Leader; Rtd. Col. Titilola Onafowokan, PhD; Alhaja Sherifat Abiodun Ogunniyi;Comrade Kehinde Olusola Okeowo; Barrister Olusegun Ojelade; Alhaji Musiliu Sulaimon (Ola 4); Comrade Japhet Odesanya and Hon. Kazeem Showemimo, among others.
