Cleric, gospel artistes seek National Praise/Thanksgiving Day

Pastor in charge of Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Mountain of Mercy, Erio Ekiti, Prophet Sam Olu Alo, and some gospel artistes, have called on the country’s leadership to set aside a National Praise Day to thank God for His mercy and love for Nigeria.

They described praise as the gateway to God’s heart, and said setting aside a day of praise in the country would have far-reaching effects in getting God’s attention for its much-needed peace, growth and development.

This was as gospel artistes under the aegis of Gospel Musicians Association of Nigeria (GOMAN) and Christian faithful from different denominations, gathered in Akure, for the 20th yearly Independence Praise Concert, organised by popular singer, Evangelist Olanrewaju Adebayo, popularly known as Omo Adaniwaye.

Guests at the event where the different gospel artistes rendered inspiring praise and worship songs to celebrate God, could not help dancing to the tunes and chanting Halelluyah to the Most High, who they described as “the pillar holding the country.”

The organiser, Adebayo, who said he embarked on the yearly event in view of the Mercy that God showed to him, said: “it was borne out of my conviction for the need to set aside a special day to worship and praise God for His loving kindness, faithfulness and mercy to me.

“This event is packaged to celebrate the importance of praise in getting answers from God. Praise makes God respond to the needs of humans. If you have prayed and the answer to your prayers seem slow in coming, why not turn to praises? I think Nigeria should take a cue. Our leaders should consider setting aside a day to be tagged National Day of Praises and Thanksgiving.

“When you consider the fact that the country is still standing tall, despite all that is happening, you see that Nigeria is a product of grace and mercy. This is the special reason we need to praise Him at all times,” he said.

He called for repentance on the part of citizens to ensure development, just as he launched his 10th album entitled Grace to Glory, at the concert.

He advised gospel musicians not to derail from their goals, saying with focus, concentration and endurance, their visions and missions would be realised.

Prophet Sam Olu Alo; Pastor-in-charge of CAC Oke Iselogomi, Akure, Prophetess Abosede Mayowa, and Pastor in charge of Oke Tansoro-Tansoro, Akure, Prophetess Apeke Daramola received Awards of Excellence at the event “in recognition of their spiritual and moral support towards the growth of Omo Adaniwaye.”

Clerics at the concert included the resident pastor, Grace of Mercy Prayer Mountain, Akure, Prophet Ayomideji Asonibare; Pastor Akintade, Prophet Samuel Afolabi, Prophet Adeniyi Ogedengbe, and Pastor Oladimeji Toluwaloju.

Among gospel musicians at the event were Evangelist Akin Adebayo (aka Imole Ayo); Evangelist Yemi Adeola (aka Eni Oba nke); Glorious Adebayo; Ola Johnson; Yanfanda Ajogbaire; Glory Adewoye; Folu Ade, and Seyi Ogedengbe.