‎Religious leaders in Ondo State have called for unity among Christian denominations and urged residents to remain calm amid rising security concerns and panic triggered by recent rumours in parts of the state.
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‎The call came during the turning of the sod ceremony for the Ondo State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Ecumenical and Secretariat Building held at Ibule Soro in Ifedore Local Government Area.
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‎The event brought together Catholic, Pentecostal and other Christian leaders, alongside government representatives, to formally flag off a project described as a landmark symbol of Christian unity in the state.
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‎Speaking at the ceremony, the Catholic Bishop of Ondo State, Jude Arogundade, said ecumenism represents the unity of all Christian denominations working together in fulfilment of Christ’s prayer for oneness.
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‎He explained that the Ecumenical Centre would serve as a common platform where Christians could dialogue, cooperate and focus on their shared mission of salvation and service to humanity.
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‎Arogundade stressed that differences among Christian groups are often exaggerated, adding that the new centre would help foster understanding and cooperation while strengthening the Church’s moral influence in society.
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‎He expressed confidence in the quality of the project, describing its foundation as solid and capable of supporting a structure that would stand as a model for others across Nigeria.
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‎Addressing concerns over insecurity, the bishop urged residents not to panic, insisting that security agencies are on top of the situation and that Nigeria cannot be overwhelmed by fear or rumours.
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‎He noted that reports of panic in some parts of Akure, where parents reportedly rushed to schools to pick their children following false security alerts, were unnecessary and avoidable.
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‎According to him, security agencies including the police and other local security outfits remain fully deployed across the state, urging citizens to remain vigilant but calm.
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‎Also speaking at the event, the Founder of Agape Christian Ministries, Felix Adejumo, warned political leaders against politicising insecurity, saying the lives of Nigerians must not be turned into political tools.
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‎He called for accountability and decisive action from government, stressing that the spate of violence in parts of the country must be urgently addressed.
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‎The Chairman of CAN in Ondo State, Anselm Ologunwa, explained that the Ecumenical Centre project is designed to serve as a permanent hub for Christian unity, administration and coordination.
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‎He said the facility, located at Ibule Soro along Adaba Radio Road, will include a 2,000-capacity worship centre, secretariat wing, guest house and a 1,500-seat event hall.
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‎Ologunwa disclosed that the project was made possible through the support of the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, who facilitated the acquisition of 14 plots of land and provided initial financial backing.
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‎He added that the project is expected to boost coordination among Christian blocs and strengthen the role of the Church in governance engagement, welfare and social development.
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‎Representing the minister, the Bishop of Akoko Diocese, Jacob Bada, said the initiative reflects government’s commitment to faith-based development and national renewal.
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‎He expressed optimism that Nigeria’s “lost glory” would be restored through unity, prayer and sustained cooperation between religious leaders and government institutions.
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‎The clerics jointly called for continued prayers, responsible communication and vigilance, urging Nigerians to avoid misinformation capable of triggering unnecessary panic in communities.
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