Apostle Alexander Bamgbola, today November 18, 2020, ends his mandatory two terms as the chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria Lagos chapter, leaving behind a credit balance of N17million plus even as the association prepares to hold another election come December 1, 2020.
In his last official meeting today as the chairman of CAN Lagos, Bamgbola who came in his full white chaplain regalia said he gives thanks to God that he and the executives have been able to move the association from the doldrums to a force to be reckoned with all over Nigeria. “The times were gone when this very association was fraught with bickering and politicking. The times were gone when people were scared to be members of the association. We have been able to make the association envy of all eyes. Now, when we speak in Lagos, Nigeria listens.”
Reading from Ecclesiastes chapter 3, about the times and seasons, Bamgbola said the time has come for him to leave as the chairman of Lagos CAN, adding that his two terms witnessed three different governors in Lagos, Babatunde Fasola, Akinwunmi Ambode and the current governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu. “We were able to work with them effectively to the glory of God and pride of all Christians in Lagos. I am very proud of all my executives who worked tirelessly with me to put CAN Lagos on a strong footing.”
The out-going chairman said he did not campaign for the post because he abhors politicking. Tracing how he became Lagos chairman, Bamgbola said, “I’ve just finished my five-year term as the Chairman Lagos PFN and I told God it’s over. I wanted to face my service to God in the Church when some Church leaders came to me that it was time for Lagos PFN to produce leadership for CAN Lagos. The people available were not acceptable to all and they need me to lead. I earlier refused but, as normally do, I went to God in prayer. Thrice God spoke told me in dreams that I should proceed. Therefore, becoming the CAN Chairman in Lagos was a divine assignment. I did not canvass for it. So, for those who thought they could distract me when I came here, I told them I was here on divine assignment, not for politics.”
Bamgbola warns the next executive who would be elected shortly and those who are still serving to be dedicated to their responsibilities, ensure they lead intending to foster peace and unity.
He jocularly tendered apologies to whoever he could have inadvertently offended during his tenure. “It is not part of me to offend people, he said. “However, I would rather obey God than obey men because He told me to fear He who can kill both the body and the soul. However, I am not an offensive person. I love you all.”
In her response to Bamgbola’s speech, Rev Dr Akitoye Braimoh, (Mama CAN) said Bamgbola did well and she scores his tenure eighty-five per cent, adding that Bamgbola brought unity to CAN, away from what it was in the late 1990s when the association was fraught with challenges.
In his remark, while rendering account of the association, CAN Lagos treasurer, Rev. (Dr.) S.T.B Adegbite said, “We all called Apostle Alexander Bamgbola as Baba (father) and he is a Baba in the real sense of the word”. He said Bamgbola, a world-acclaimed banker brought his banking experience to bear in the running of the association such that no one could mess up with the finances. Adegbite, the out-going treasurer added that against all odds, the association is leaving behind a credit balance of over N17million in the association’s treasury, to which all the members cheered.
The meeting was attended by all the leaders of all the components of CAN and coordinators from all the local governments in Lagos state.
