The President, Church of Brethren in Nigeria (EYN), Rev. Joel Billi, has called on the Federal and State Governments to expedite action on the reconstruction of places of worship destroyed by insurgents in North East.
Billi made the appeal on Tuesday at the 2019 Ministers’ Annual Conference of the Church at Kwarhi, Hong Local Government Area of Adamawa.
He expressed concern over the neglect of places of worship in the ongoing rehabilitation and reconstruction of areas affected by insurgency, particularly in Adamawa.
He also lamented on the slow pace of reconstruction work in other affected structures, particularly bridges in Adamawa, and called for more pressure on those handling the contract to sit up.
“We need action to restore our confidence in government,” Billi said.
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On the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in various states affected by conflicts, the EYN president also tasked government at all levels to adequately cater for the IDPs particularly in areas of food, shelter, clothing, medication and security.
While stressing the need for compensation for innocent victims of conflicts, Billi urged for more effort to secure the release of Leah Sharibu, remaining Chibok girls and others being held hostage by insurgents and other violent criminals across the country.
On the upcoming general elections, he tasked all concern for hitch-free and credible elections, urging EYN members to ensure they participate as good citizens to exercise their civic responsibility.
In his annual report, the Secretary of EYN Ministers’ Council, Rev. Lalai Bukar, listed many achievements and challenges of the Church and urged members to continue to remain steadfast and committed to the work of God.
Bukar said the Church projection for the year included more training for pastors, establishment of library for pastoral enhancement and support project for pastors’ widows, among others.
In his goodwill message at the occasion, Adamawa branch Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), who is the Bishop of Yola Diocese, Most Rev. Stephen Mamza, lauded the role of EYN in spreading the gospel and called for more unity among Christians.
Mamza admonished church leaders on leadership by example, adding that such leadership could only be achieved with strong commitment to faith.
“We should be in a better place to teach others particularly politicians the act of leadership, honesty and stewardship; with faith we can do that,” Mamza said. (NAN)