CAN Leadership Engages Hamzat, APC Candidate, on Interfaith Unity and Shared Development

Lagos State Deputy Governor and APC governorship candidate, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, has engaged the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) as part of his ongoing consultations with key stakeholders ahead of the 2027 political transition.

Epe Insights reports that Hamzat met with the CAN leadership, led by Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, during the engagement focused on unity, governance and the well-being of Lagos residents.

The meeting highlighted the importance of cooperation between government and faith-based organisations in strengthening communities and promoting social development.

Hamzat emphasised the need for governance that is rooted in unity and a shared commitment to the people.

He noted that sustainable development is strengthened when citizens feel heard, respected and protected within their communities.

The engagement also drew attention to the broader responsibilities of governance beyond physical infrastructure.

Hamzat stressed that effective governance should include efforts to sustain communities and strengthen the social structures that support residents.

According to him, development should be measured not only through roads and other physical projects but also through the ability to build cohesive and resilient communities.

The Deputy Governor further highlighted the potential of partnerships with faith-based organisations in supporting government efforts.

He noted that religious institutions remain closely connected to communities and can contribute to meaningful engagement with residents.

Such partnerships, he suggested, can help bridge the gap between government policies and the values that shape everyday community life.

 

The meeting with CAN leadership therefore provided an opportunity to discuss areas of common interest and the importance of maintaining constructive relationships between government and religious organisations.

Bishop Stephen Adegbite, who led the CAN delegation, is the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission.

The engagement formed part of Hamzat’s wider stakeholder consultations as political activities ahead of 2027 continue to gain attention across Lagos State.

Hamzat’s interaction with the Christian leadership also placed emphasis on the importance of interfaith and cross-cultural harmony in a diverse society.

The Deputy Governor has continued to present unity and cooperation as important elements of his vision for the future of Lagos.

The engagement comes at a time when stakeholders across different sectors are increasingly discussing the direction of Lagos ahead of the next political transition.

Hamzat, who is the APC governorship candidate according to the statement, has continued to engage different groups and community stakeholders as part of his political activities.

The meeting with CAN leadership was presented as an opportunity to strengthen dialogue with the Christian community and promote a shared understanding of Lagos’ development priorities.

Faith-based organisations play a significant role in many communities through their social, moral and humanitarian activities.

Their close relationship with residents gives them an important platform for community engagement and social development.

Hamzat’s engagement with CAN therefore underscores the relevance of collaboration between political leadership and institutions with strong grassroots connections.

The Deputy Governor also reiterated the importance of ensuring that development remains people-centred.

He maintained that residents should remain at the heart of government policies and programmes.

A people-focused approach, according to the message shared after the meeting, should ensure that citizens are listened to and treated with respect.

It should also encourage cooperation among communities and strengthen confidence in public institutions.

The engagement further reflected the importance of peaceful relationships among different religious and cultural groups across Lagos.

With Lagos being home to people from diverse backgrounds, stakeholders have continued to emphasise the need for unity and mutual understanding.

Hamzat’s meeting with CAN leadership was therefore framed around the broader objective of building a cohesive society where different groups can work together.

The Deputy Governor also looked towards the future, particularly the political developments expected ahead of 2027.

His engagement with CAN was described as part of a proactive approach to building relationships across different sectors of society.

The meeting also provided an avenue for dialogue on how faith-based organisations can contribute to community development and social cohesion.

Hamzat expressed his commitment to working with stakeholders who share the objective of improving the lives of Lagos residents.

He maintained that sustainable development requires collective responsibility and cooperation across communities.

The interaction with CAN leadership adds to the series of stakeholder engagements involving the APC governorship candidate as the 2027 political season approaches.

The meeting also reinforced the message that governance should extend beyond infrastructure to include social relationships, community wellbeing and inclusion.

For Lagos, continued collaboration among government, traditional institutions, religious organisations and community groups remains important to sustaining development.

Hamzat’s engagement with the Christian leadership reflects an effort to maintain dialogue with key stakeholders and promote a shared vision for the future of the state.

The meeting ultimately centred on unity, community development and the importance of ensuring that residents remain central to governance.

Hamzat’s message was that Lagos can continue to progress when stakeholders work together and maintain a common commitment to the people.