Agbedi, Diri Call for Truth, Unity and Stronger Christian Leadership at CAN Bayelsa Inauguration
AGUDAMA, YENAGOA — August 24, 2026
The Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. (Chief) Frederick Yeitiemone Agbedi, Ph.D., today Monday joined Christian faithful and other distinguished personalities in Bayelsa State in thanksgiving to God at the inauguration of the newly elected executive of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bayelsa State Chapter.
The colourful inauguration ceremony, held at Redeem Glory Church, Agudama, Yenagoa, had Rt. Hon. Agbedi as the Chairman of the Occasion.
In his remarks, the Minority Leader expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God and commended the outgoing leadership of CAN in Bayelsa State for its invaluable contributions to the growth and development of the state, as well as its spiritual guidance and leadership of the Christian community.
Rt. Hon. Agbedi particularly applauded the outgoing executives for their commitment to promoting peace, unity and harmony among Christians. He urged the newly inaugurated leadership to build on the solid foundation laid by their predecessors and work towards strengthening the unity and collective voice of the Body of Christ in Bayelsa State.
The Executive Governor of Bayelsa State, His Excellency, Senator Douye Diri, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion, was represented by his Deputy, His Excellency, Pastor Peter Pereotubo Akpe, Ph.D.
Speaking on behalf of the Governor, the Deputy Governor appreciated the clergy and the Christian community for their unwavering prayers and support towards the peace, stability and development of Bayelsa State.
He, however, charged religious leaders to continue to speak truth to those in authority constructively and without fear or favour, stressing that spiritual leaders must remain faithful to their divine calling and resist allowing personal interests or a “what can I get?” mentality to influence their service to God and humanity.
The Governor, through his representative, also called for greater unity and harmony within the Body of Christ, noting that collective strength and cooperation remain indispensable to societal progress. Drawing inspiration from the biblical principle of unity as reflected in Genesis 11, he emphasised the remarkable possibilities that can be achieved when people work together towards a common purpose.
He further reiterated the commitment of the Bayelsa State Government to promoting thanksgiving and worship, recalling the covenant of the state to set aside a day for Bayelsans to gather in appreciation and praise to God with hearts filled with thanksgiving.
The Guest Minister, Rev. Dr. Joseph Opelema, who also served as Chairman of the event, delivered a thought-provoking sermon titled “Followership and Leadership Ideas,” with his message drawn from Hebrews 13:17.
Rev. Dr. Opelema emphasised the importance of responsible followership and purposeful leadership, noting that effective leadership requires followers who are committed, thoughtful, supportive and loyal to a shared vision. He stressed that leadership and followership are complementary responsibilities and that the success of any leader is often strengthened by the cooperation, constructive contributions and commitment of those being led.
Speakers at the programme paid glowing tributes to the outgoing CAN leadership for its contributions to peace, unity and spiritual development in Bayelsa State. A clarion call was also made to the newly elected and inaugurated executives to follow the noble footsteps of their predecessors while striving to attain even greater accomplishments in advancing the cause of Christianity and humanity.
The newly inaugurated CAN Bayelsa State executives, who will serve the association for the next five years, are:
Rev. Dr. Abili Samuel Abil — Chairman
Bishop Dotimi M. D. Egbegi — Vice Chairman
Rev. Fr. Raymond Ogiramkopu Ogio — Secretary
Senior Special Apostle Michael Makpa — Treasurer
Bro. Jedidiah O. Nwakpa, Esq. — Director of Legal and Public Affairs
Rev. Fr. Emmanuel Oyombio — Director of Ecumenical and Inter-Faith Affairs
Special Superior Evang. Ballantine Naibi, JP — Director of Programme, Research and Strategy
Adam Sabo Fidelis — Director of Education, Youth and Human Development
Apostle Ben Danji Ada — Director of State Issues and Social Welfare
The event attracted several prominent personalities, including the Chairman of Yenagoa Local Government Area, Hon. Bulodisiye Ndiwari; the Special Adviser on Political Matters to the Governor, Hon. Chief Collins Kokodia; the Special Adviser on Religious Matters, Rev. Godspower Asingba; as well as distinguished clergymen and Christian leaders from different denominations.
The inauguration provided yet another opportunity for the government, political leaders and the Christian community to reaffirm their shared commitment to truth, peace, unity and purposeful leadership, while charting a stronger and more united course for the Body of Christ and the continued progress of Bayelsa State.
