The Oyo State chapter of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), on Thursday, faulted the reports in some quarters that some newly-recruited teachers posted to some Christian schools were rejected.
This also came as the Christian body lauded the strides being made by Governor Seyi Makinde in various sectors of the economy, ranging from infrastructural development, security, employment of thousands of teachers, prompt payment of salaries and pensions to amicable resolutions of various crises in the State.
These were part of the resolutions reached at the end of the General Assembly meeting of CAN which was hosted by the Atiba Local Government chapter of the body at the Cathedral of St. Michael, Esiele, Oyo Town.
In attendance were the State Executive Council members, Bloc Leaders, Bloc Representatives, Zonal and Local Government Coordinators and Secretaries and other Dignitaries.
There was a welcome address by the host local government, an address by the State Chairman, exhortation and prayer session and the plenary session.
According to the communique, which was signed by Apostle (Col.) Joshua Akinyemiju (Rtd.) and Princess C. U. Abiola, the Chairman and Secretary respectively, “The rumour of rejection of Muslim teachers in some Christian schools is unfounded, based on our investigations in the affected schools”.
While lauding the governor’s strides, the religious body said: “The body observes as follows: Oyo State Chapter of CAN commends and appreciates the efforts of the present administration under the able leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde in the areas of employment, security, infrastructural development, education, health care services and payment of workers’ salary and retirement benefits of pensioners as and when due.
“The employment of 5,000 teachers on merit is unprecedented in the history of Oyo State.The amicable resolution of the ownership issue of LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, and the effort to make it a conventional university is highly commendable.The way the State managed the Covid-19 pandemic is worthy of commendation.We appreciate the way the government handled the Shasaha Market imbroglio”.
Continuing, the umbrella Christian association appreciated the government intervention on farmers/Fulanis’ crisis in Ibarapa axis of the state while stating that “the reconstruction of Akesan Market after the fire accident is worthy of note”
“We commend the government on the massive construction and rehabilitation of roads across the state”.
However, the body appealed to the government to urgently and proactively tackle insecurity in the entire State.
“On the issue of wearing of hijab in our public schools, CAN stands on the already existing policy in the State”, it added.
Speaking on the forth coming Local Government elections, the body appealed to Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission (OYSIEC) and the government to make it free, fair and credible.
CAN also urged the government to put more efforts in ensuring peaceful coexistence of religious bodies in the state.
“We appeal to the government to give all necessary support to farmers so as to make Oyo State the food basket for the South West and the Nation at large”, it added.
The Christian leaders prayed to God to guide the Governor in order to take the state to an enviable height.