Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has expressed a renewed hope for Nigeria during the Interdenominational Church Service at the National Christian Center, Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, as part of activities to mark the 63rd Nigeria’s Independence Anniversary.
In her words “A Nigeria of abundance has begun. If we do not have hope, how do we become part of this greatness that God has started in our nation”.
She also called on Nigerians to celebrate the unity that defines the country’s diversity. She further maintained that there are no “challenges, obstacles or difficulties that cannot be surmounted if Nigerians imbibe the nature of Christ as reflected in the gospel of Saint Mathew Chapter 11 verses 28 and 28. In times like this all we have to do is to keep our hope alive, the lively hope which Jesus Christ has birthed in us” her words.
In his message which centers on the theme of the event “Christ in you, the hope of Glory” the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, Rev Israel Akanj, expressed hope for a prosperous nation despite the current challenges Nigerians are faced with.
Rev Israel Akanj also commended the optimism demonstrated by Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu in his 63rd Independence anniversary Speech.
He however called on Nigerian Leaders to turn their promises into actions for God’s glory to be seen on the land “The promise on our economy, on our security, on empowerment even women and youths will be accommodated, we will soon come out of the wounds but I want Mr President and all our leaders in Nigeria to know that Nigerians are tired of promises. We have had promises upon promises, I am not saying that the present promises are not going to be fulfilled, and the only way to make a difference is to be sure that these promises are turned into action. I plead with the President, let there be actions to every word that has been spoken. I plead with our leaders; we are so unhappy that democracy is being eroded in Africa. We are seeing a lot of coups and counter-coups holding, but then that should remind our leaders that the dividends of democracy are the one that is going to promote it in the hearts of the people, let the people be able to say yes, in democracy, we have something to show” he noted.
On the State of the Nation, Rev Akanji noted that for Nigeria to be made a better place, the citizenry must also play their roles saying “That is the Samaritan Spirit. But in order for us to achieve this, it is not for our leaders alone, it is for all of us. God is sending you, if you want Nigeria to be a better place, stop blaming our leaders, we are all guilty” he explained.
He also appealed to Labour Unions to engage in a dialogue that would resolve the economic crises as a result of the removal of fuel subsidies and not allow the economy to be grounded. “The dialogue to try to solve the matter should be pursued, let the economy of the nation not be grounded, that will not move us forward let us continue with the dialogue and by the grace of God, Nigeria will turn around by God’s own intervention,” he remarked.
There were also declarations on Nigerian Leaders at all levels by some Clerics to lead Nigeria in other to achieve Peace and Unity, and for development to thrive.
The President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Archbishop Daniel Okoh in his declaration offers special prayers for Nigeria on good governance, the country’s security situation and healing of the land towards turning around the fortunes of Nigeria.“May your people go into governance with Godliness, God grant them the wisdom, the understanding, the compassion with which they will rule your people, so that your people will be happy. Grant them the humility to continue to listen to the leading of the Holy Spirit, depending on your divine justice, so that our country will be better again. Intervene in our security situation in Nigeria, take away that which terrifies your children, take away bandits. We pray that your Holy Spirit will transform them and make them an instrument of Peace and Unity. Take away selfishness because selfishness brings hate, and hate brings hate speeches and hate speeches bring violence. Heal our economy, so that by this time next year, when we return here, you would have used those in governance to turn around the fortunes of this country” His declaration.
Some dignitaries at the event are Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, the Presidential of Nigeria’s Court of Appeal, Secretary to the Government of the Federation and his Wife Senator Regina Akume Minister of Federal Capital Territory amongst others.
Dominica Nwabufo
