Oyo CAN Urges Tinubu, Makinde to Seek God’s Wisdom Over Abducted Schoolchildren, Announces Special Prayer for Their Release

 Oyo CAN Urges Tinubu, Makinde to Seek God’s Wisdom Over Abducted Schoolchildren, Announces Special Prayer for Their Release

Description: Oyo CAN Chairman Revd Olukayode Ogundiya has urged the Federal and Oyo State governments to seek God's wisdom in securing the release of over 40 abducted schoolchildren and teachers, while announcing a statewide prayer programme.

Oyo CAN Urges Federal, Oyo Governments to Seek God’s Wisdom Over Abducted Schoolchildren

The Chairman of the Christians Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State Chapter, Revd Olukayode Ogundiya, has called on the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to seek God's wisdom rather than relying solely on human expertise in efforts to rescue more than 40 schoolchildren and their teachers abducted in Oyo State.

Ogundiya made the appeal on Tuesday while speaking with journalists during the public presentation of the book "The Proverbial Seven Pillars of Wisdom by Guru Wisehart" at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan.

CAN Announces 12-Hour Prayer Programme for Abducted Pupils

The Oyo CAN Chairman also announced a special one-day prayer programme scheduled for Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Orita Mefa Baptist Church, Ibadan, where Christian leaders from across Nigeria will gather from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

According to him, the prayer meeting is dedicated to seeking God's intervention for the immediate release of the kidnapped pupils and teachers, as well as praying for lasting peace and security in Oyo State and Nigeria.

Over 40 Schoolchildren and Teachers Still in Captivity

The victims were abducted during coordinated attacks on May 15, 2026, when armed kidnappers invaded three schools in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The affected schools include:

Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota

Community Grammar School

L.A. Primary School, Esiele

The attackers reportedly kidnapped scores of pupils and teachers, sparking nationwide concern over rising insecurity in schools.

"Our Leaders Need God's Wisdom" — Ogundiya

Speaking passionately on Nigeria's leadership challenges, Ogundiya stressed that true wisdom comes from God and not from political experience or human intelligence.

He said every leader, regardless of position or achievements, needs divine wisdom daily to govern effectively.

According to him, many of Nigeria's problems persist because leaders depend too much on their own knowledge instead of trusting God.

> "Our politicians need the wisdom of God every day. If our leaders truly trust God, this nation will change for the better."

He added that Scripture warns against relying solely on personal understanding, insisting that divine direction remains the solution to Nigeria's security and governance challenges.

CAN Calls for Prayer Instead of Fear

Ogundiya encouraged Nigerians to remain steadfast in prayer, expressing confidence that God would intervene and secure the safe release of the kidnapped children and their teachers.

He noted that prayer remains one of the strongest weapons available to believers during difficult times.

> "We have been praying, and I believe very soon the Lord will manifest Himself. We must continue trusting God because with Him all things are possible."

He explained that the July 11 prayer gathering will also focus on the overall security of Oyo State and Nigeria.

Wisdom Book Launched at University of Ibadan

The event also featured the unveiling of "The Proverbial Seven Pillars of Wisdom", written by Dr. Felix El-Schaeddhaei after nearly 20 years of research and writing.

The author described the book as a lifelong project built around seven foundational virtues:

Self-awareness

Critical thinking

Creativity

Compassion and love

Power and authority

Resilience

Sound objective judgment

He explained that the seven pillars are interconnected principles designed to help individuals develop wisdom and purposeful leadership.

Dr. Festus Adedayo Shares Inspiring Wisdom Story

Book reviewer and Nigerian Tribune columnist Dr. Festus Adedayo captivated the audience with a traditional folktale illustrating the true meaning of wisdom.

He narrated the story of a king who promised to appoint anyone who could carry a calabash filled with palm oil across a narrow bridge without spilling it as his chief adviser.

While many strong and confident young men failed, an elderly woman quietly succeeded.

When asked how she accomplished the seemingly impossible task, she simply replied:

> "The others were looking at the crowd. I was looking at the bridge."

According to Adedayo, the story perfectly captures the central message of the book—that genuine wisdom requires focus, discipline, humility, and clear purpose rather than outward strength or appearance.

Conclusion

As families continue to await the safe return of the abducted pupils and teachers, Oyo CAN is urging both government leaders and Nigerians to combine every legitimate security effort with prayer and dependence on God's wisdom.

The association believes that divine intervention, alongside responsible leadership and effective action, remains essential to overcoming Nigeria's growing security challenges.

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