A revolutionary movement that challenges the status quo is being initiated to break the walls and barriers among religious, ethnic and political divides in the quest for a better nation and a better world.
Being spare-headed by the General Superintendent of the Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor Dr. W.F. Kumuyi, the movement known as Change Makers International, CMI has been inaugurated in Ondo State.
Ondo State Deputy Governor, Honourable Olayide Adelami. represented by the Deputy Chief of Staff, Dr. Adekola Falohun while unveiling the programme, lauded the initiative which he said must be pursued vigorously with passion.
He said we must all embrace change and allow change to start with us as individuals and more importantly in governance.
State overseer of the Deeper Life Bible Church Ondo 1, Pastor Jacob Asubiojo said the birth of Change Makers International is a pivotal movement in the journey towards a brighter future.
He said it represents a paradigm shift from what Christians, Moslems and other faith adherents had known, as this is a game changer that unifies and harnesses our positive strengths from all divides to make the world a better place.
“It is a true call to the purpose of God for mankind beyond religiousity, denominations, and ethnicity.”
Pastor Asubiojo said Change Makers International emerges as a beacon of hope and possibility with a strong believe in the power of unity, in the strength found within diversity and in the potentials of every individual to be an agent of change.
He said the initiative is to bring together Moslem leaders, Christian leaders, and Secular leaders from all walks of life to find a lasting solution to the nation’s challenge.
This, according to him, is an all-important and unusual call where we are not to see ourselves either as Christians or as Moslems but as a people created by God that must take positive steps to lay a solid foundation for a better society and indeed a better world.
“Change Makers International is not just a gathering of like-minded individuals but a gathering to open the eyes of everyone that we need one another in setting goals and collectively achieving the desired vision; it is a call and commitment to action”.
Asubiojo added, “It is a pledge to work tirelessly, hand in hand, to tackle many pressing issues and dysfunctions bedevilling our communities, nation and our planet. Whether in engendering a friendly, peaceful, secured environment as well as building sustainable communal relationship, promoting social justice, or empowering marginalized groups, CMI is here to make a difference”
He disclosed that: “At the maiden edition held in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State, which saw people from other faiths and divides attending the programme; there was no altar call neither was there any subterranean move or activities that tended towards the conversion of people of one faith to another.
“As a matter of fact, there were many sessions, seminars, and talks including goodwill messages handled and delivered by both Moslem leaders, Christian leaders, and Secular leaders from all walks of life.”
Speaking further, he noted “We are expected not only to participate efficiently but we are to also effectively motivate and mobilise for attendance as well as human, material, and financial resources.
According to him, the Convener and Visioner of Change Makers International, Pastor Dr. W.F. Kumuyi will visit Ondo State in October 2024 for 6 days to float a statewide Change Makers Conference geared towards positive change, which will feature Power Packed Teachings and Seminars from experienced and inspired scholars and seasoned Professionals from across Christian, Muslim and secular leanings.
He called on traditional rulers, moslem and christian leaders, Non-Governmental Organisations NGO’s, Community Based Organisations and Faith based Organisations not to see Change Makers International as a Christian programme or a Deeper Life programme meant to convert people to Christianity but rather as a God Ordained programme for the generality of mankind.
He called on all to embrace this opportunity with passion and dedication by “harnessing our collective energy to innovate, collaborate, and inspire others for positive change”
“Together, we can create ripple effects of transformation that extend far beyond what any one of us could achieve alone. Let us remember that change begins with us—here, today, and now.
“Let us be the catalysts for a future where compassion triumphs over indifference, where understanding bridges divides, and where every voice is heard and respected.” He added.
He pleaded with journalists to be at the Vanguard of this moral and spiritual re-birth, value re-orientation, re-awakening and re-armament aimed at bringing fundamental restructuring.
The Chief Imam of Owo, and Secretary General League of Imams and Alfas of Yoruba Land, Edo and Delta, Sheikh Ahmad Aladesawe said this is a call that receives overwhelming support and will be given the necessary backing for it to succeed, noting the hardship in the country and the need to put the nation on the right track again.
Aladesawe who was represented by Alhaji Bashir Moshood, said, Nigeria currently faces social, economic, and tribalism challenges because we are not united and we can only overcome these challenges if we are one and speak with one voice.
“Love your neighbour regardless of your religious background. A complete believer must love his or her neighbor, love your yourself, let’s be united, face out tribalism, ethnicity and religious bias to move the country forward and achieve the needed development.”
The Chairman Ondo State Chapter of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Bishop Joshua Opayinka said this is an initiative and vision which we must all run with, more so, coming through an unblemished and intainted servant of the Most High, Pastor W.F. Kumuyi.
The Chief Imam of Akure, Alhaji Akorede who was represented by Dr. Yusuf Olalere regretted that Nigeria fell into a pitiful and sad condition because what she has, are criminals and embezzlers as leaders.
He said that the Change Makers International is an initiative that receives the backing of the Moslem community because of its lofty ideals and it is the way to go where all of us can come together as one and look at each other face to face with the home truth rather that chasing shadows of ethnic, political and religious sentiments.
The Deputy Chairman of Ondo State Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria, (CAN), Bishop Akomolafe said this change must begin from the individual, noting that Nigerians need a changed mindset for a better Nigeria to evolve.
There were goodwill messages from clerics and adherents of other faiths.
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