Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has charged the church to take the leading role in the fight against corruption, illicit wealth acquisition, money rituals, and other get-rich quick syndrome undermining the moral and ethical values in the country.

The Governor also urged the church leadership to use the pulpit to champion the promotion of godly character and enduring values, stressing that the Nation must be united to fight the demon of materialism that has held the people down for long.

Governor Oyebanji stated these on Tuesday while declaring open the 2025 annual Conference of Presidents’ Retreat of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, held at the Abiyamo Esther Oyebanji Event Center, Ikogosi Ekiti, with the theme, leading with skills and integrity. He emphasized the need for hard work and integrity in the collective pursuit of peace and prosperity

Reiterating his administration’s commitment to ethical governance, Governor Oyebanji expressed optimism that with the church’s support, the fight against societal vices would gain momentum, thereby leading to a more prosperous and morally upright society.

The Governor expressed concerns over the prevalence of illicit wealth acquisition and fraudulent practices in the country, stressing that while wealth creation through hard work remains a virtue for the spread of prosperity in the society, there is need for well meaning Nigerians to collectively fight the crazy appetite for get-rich- quick syndrome that has eaten deep into the fabric of our society, including the Church.

“I call on the Church to join us in the campaign against the dangerous evils of corruption, illicit wealth acquisition, money rituals and fraudulent activities of some Nigerians.”, he said .

Containing, the Governor said : “I want to charge the Church to continue to be in the vanguard of the promotion of peaceful coexistence and to use the pulpits for the promotion of godly character and enduring values. As a nation, we must unite to fight the demon of monism in our society”.

Expressing gratitude to God for the opportunity to host the conference for the first time in the history of Ekiti State, the Governor commended the Baptist Mission for its historic role in the development of Ikogosi Ekiti, particularly through the early missionary work of Rev. John Dimagi, who discovered ikogosi warm and cold springs in 1952.

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Governor Oyebanji who noted that the church has greatly influenced the town spiritually, educationally, and socially, said most families in ikogosi have benefited from the Baptist mission’s presence over the years.

While calling on the church to continue to support and pray for his government, the state and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor Oyebanji said President Tinubu’s reforms have helped steer the nation away from financial collapse, adding that the country has begun to show signs of recovery.

“We are indebted to the Church for its pioneering role in the development of education and the provision of opportunity for our people. It is for no reason that Ikogosi is a Baptist Town. There is hardly a household that has not benefited one way or the other in the missionary work of the Baptist in this community.

“Let me also implore you to continue to pray and support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu whose bold policies and reforms halted the country’s slide into depression and bankruptcy. It is a fact that the economy has started showing sign of stability and recovery. Your prayers and support are needed at this critical time for peace and progress of the nation”. The Governor asserted

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman, Nigerian Baptist Convention Conference Presidents Fellowship, Rev (Dr.) Koeleh Saleh, who commended the Governor for been a good ambassador of Christ and for leading with the fear of God, said afford the conference the opportunity for pray for further progress and development in the state and the country at large.

Also in his welcome address, the host Conference President, Rev (Dr.) Emmanuel Aribasoye explained that the retreat serves as a platform for reflection, strategic planning, and fostering unity among Baptist leaders to promote peace, integrity, and godly values across the country.

Presidents of Baptist Conferences from across the states of the federation and their spouses are part of the retreat, an annual conference of the Baptist mission in the country.