Religious bodies and organisations have been urged to join hands with the government in the drive to move Kwara State and the nation forward.

The State governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, made the call at the 2016 Nigerian Baptist Convention, the 103rd edition holding in Ilorin.

Governor Ahmed who was represented by his deputy, Elder Peter Kisira, charged religious organisations to work towards ensuring the entrenchment of good governance by playing a complementary role to the activities of the government.

The governor assured that the government was ready to partner with any religious body or organisation to boost all round development in the State.

He urged participants at the convention to use the opportunity to equip themselves with sound Biblical doctrines and imbibe God's ordinances to become better members of the society and the Nation at large.

Nigerian Baptist Convention in Ilorin…some of the men at the event Governor Ahmed reiterated the commitment of the administration to continually strengthen the peaceful co-existence that has been in existence in the State.

The governor commended the various contributions of the Nigerian Baptist Convention since inception especially in the areas of healthcare and educational development aimed at transforming the lives of Nigerians.

He explained that inspite of dwindling national resources, he was committed to transforming and ensuring all round development in the State embarking on projects in various sectors including water, energy, health, education among others.

Governor Ahmed also assured that the State government would give necessary support for the success of the convention calling on them to pray for the leadership of the State and the Nation for God to sustain the country.

Also in his address, the Chairman of the State Christian Association Nigeria (CAN), Evangelist Timothy Opoola thanked Governor Ahmed and the first lady, Mrs Omolewa Ahmed, for the various ways they have been supporting the Christian community in the State.

Evangelist Opoola who is a Professor of Mathematics called on the people to pray for the nation at all times to guide the leaders aright to steer the ship of the country.

The President, Nigerian Baptist Convention, Reverend Samson Ayokunle praised the State government for its support and assistance for the successful hosting of the Convention. Reverend Ayokunle noted that the Convention would continue to play its role of developing the nation in all spheres of human endeavour.

In his sermon, Reverend Dickson Madoghwe charged Christians to be resolute in the journey of life in their quest to move forward in line with the theme of the Convention. Others who spoke at the Convention include the Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Pilgrim Commission, Reverend John Kennedy-Opara and friends from abroad.