Oyo CAN Advises FG, State: Divine Wisdom Crucial for Abducted Students' Freedom

The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State Chapter, through its Chairman, Revd Olukayode Ogundiya, has called on both the Federal and Oyo State Governments to prioritize divine wisdom over human expertise in securing the release of over 40 schoolchildren and their teachers. These individuals were abducted on May 15, 2026, from three different schools within Oyo State.

Revd Ogundiya conveyed this advice during an interview conducted on the sidelines of a book launch and public presentation of 'The Proverbial Seven Pillars of Wisdom by Guru Wisehart'. The event took place at Trenchard Hall, University of Ibadan, in the state capital. He further stressed the importance of Nigerian leaders consistently seeking God’s guidance in steering the nation’s affairs.

In response to the ongoing captivity, CAN is organizing a special one-day prayer event scheduled for Saturday, July 11, 2026. This gathering, set to host prominent Church leaders from various regions, aims to seek God’s intervention for the swift release of all victims.

Reports indicate that scores of teachers and students were kidnapped during simultaneous attacks on Baptist Nursery and Primary School, Yawota; Community Grammar School; and L.A. Primary School, Esiele, all located in Oriire Local Government Area of the state. The coordinated attacks occurred on a Friday, around 9:30 am.

Expounding on his counsel, the Oyo CAN chairman stated, “Wisdom is a necessity for every individual, irrespective of how knowledgeable one perceives themselves to be, on a daily and even momentary basis. Therefore, our nation’s affairs require more individuals imbued with wisdom, not just ordinary wisdom, but God’s wisdom. This entails fearing God and conducting matters in His way. No one, not even the clergy, can outgrow this need. We must constantly seek wisdom, as the Bible instructs, so that circumstances can improve. Our politicians are not exempt; they vitally need God’s wisdom daily for leadership, for godly leadership.”

He continued, “If only our politicians and leaders would trust God, I believe this nation would experience positive transformation. However, we often observe them relying on their own expertise and wisdom, which the Bible advises against. Those who trust in their own wisdom will witness the consequences we currently face. We must trust God; our leaders must trust God, understanding that with Him, all things are possible. Our most potent weapon in this situation is prayer, coupled with waiting and trusting God for a breakthrough. Anything else is mere human understanding. We need prayer, trusting God, and surrendering to Him for a breakthrough, especially concerning these abducted schoolchildren and their teachers. We have been praying, and I am confident that the Lord will soon manifest Himself.”

Regarding the upcoming prayer program, Revd Ogundiya announced, “We have a program on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Orita Mefa Baptist Church here in Ibadan, where Church leaders and Christians will gather from 6 am till 6 pm with eminent Church leaders to call upon the name of the Lord, and I believe that the Lord is on our side, and He will prove Himself that He is indeed the living God. The program is dedicated to the security of Oyo and the nation at large, and particularly for the release of those Oyo abducted children and their teachers. We are going to praise God in anticipation of what the Lord is about to do.”

Earlier at the book launch, Dr. Festus Adedayo, a columnist with the Nigerian Tribune and one of the book reviewers, shared a wisdom tale about a king seeking a chief adviser by challenging candidates to carry a calabash of palm oil across a narrow bridge without spilling. An old woman succeeded where strong men failed by focusing on the bridge rather than the crowd. The king was impressed by her wisdom.

Dr. Felix El-Schaeddhaei, the author, revealed that the book took approximately 20 years to compile. He explained that it is built upon seven enduring attributes of the Creator, translated into human capacities: self-awareness, critical thinking, creativity, compassion and love, power and authority, resilience, and sound objective judgment. He highlighted how the interdependence of these pillars guided the book's writing and shaping.