Past and present Nigerian leaders and some serving presidents of African states will soon converge in Abuja, to discuss how to sustain harmony in the world using religious leaders to preach peace and cordial coexistence.
The event, which is part of the Golden Jubilee and thanksgiving service of the founder of Living Christ Mission Incorporated, Prof Daddy Hezekiah, will hold on Sunday, October 15 at the International Conference Centre, Federal Capital Territory, (FCT).
Expected to grace the event are Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, former Presidents, Goodluck Jonathan and Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and other past and serving presidents of other African nations.
According to Chairman National Planning Committee of the event, Professor Obiekwe Nwanolue, the leaders will discuss the topic, “The Role of Religious Leaders in a Developing Economy.”
On the choice of Abuja for the occasion, Professor Nwanolue said it was to convey the message to the entire world that there was no tension in the country, despite the sustained negative media reports.
“His choice of choosing Abuja as the venue for the celebration is to tell the world that there is peaceful coexistence, there is the need for harmony, democratic stability amidst the religious and political crisis in the country.
“Interestingly, Nigeria government has indicated enormous interest in that ceremony to appreciate a man whose name is synonymous with philanthropy and generosity.”
While appealing to Nigerians to rededicate themselves to God so that the country can attain its pride of place in the world, Prof. Nwanolue specifically admonished Christians to delve into all legitimate spheres of human endeavour in order to turn the fortunes of the country around.
The chairman planning committee also cautioned clerics to stop mixing politics with religion on the pulpit and allow professional politicians ply their trade.
“We have many men of God using religion to deceive people just to score cheap political goals. Religious leaders should face their pulpit and pray for the country. If they use their pulpit to advice the leaders of this country, the country would have gone far even though the political leaders don’t listen to advice.
“What they are doing is wrong because politics should be for politicians while the raw responsibility of the men of God is to pray for the country. They should call to order with sincerity of purpose the political leaders that are not doing well.”
Head of Mission of the Central African Republic, (CAR) in Nigeria, Aloy Michael, on his part said the president of his country, Prof Faustin Touadera and that of Zambia, Mr Edgar Lungu were fully in support of the golden jubilee and would grace the event.
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