Nigeria at 61: Osinbajo, Sanwo-Olu, Makinde, Lalong, Uzodimma call for prayers

VICE-President Yemi Osinbajo has said the vision of a united and prosperous nation espoused by the founding founders of Nigeria will be accomplished, as he assured that the current trials will soon be overcome. 

He disclosed this at the interdenominational service to mark the 61st Independence anniversary of the country, where prayers were held for God’s intervention in addressing insecurity confronting the nation. 

The service, held at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, coincided with the 45th anniversary of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN). Osinbajo said with unity and faith, the country would overcome its current challenges and become a strong force in Africa and beacon of hope for the sub-region. 

In his sermon at the service, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, said all will be well with Nigeria, in spite of the challenges the nation is going through. 

He, however, noted that he would have declined invitation to come to deliver sermon if he knew it was for the Independence anniversary, saying his invitation letter was for the 45th anniversary of CAN. 

He urged Nigerians to continue to pray, believing that God would deliver the country from the woods, while also thanking Him for sustaining the nation as one entity. Secretary to the Goverment of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, in his vote of thanks, said in spite of the challenges Nigeria had gone through, the country is destined to be a great nation. 

Plateau State governor, Simon Lalong, enjoined Nigerians to shun divisive tendencies, warning that the consequences will not only be uncertain but unimaginable. Giving the warning at the interdenominational church service to mark the 61st Independence anniversary of the country at the Government House Chapel, Rayfield, Jos, he implored Nigerians not to allow the current challenges facing the nation to push them towards de-marketing it, but to keep praying for the country to surmount its challenges. 

Oyo State governor, Seyi Makinde, charged residents of the state and Nigerians in general to keep praying to God so as to address present challenges. At the inderdenominational service held at the Cathedral of St Peter, Aremo, Ibadan, he added that despite the myriad of challenges facing the country, all hope is not lost. 

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun, he asked residents of the state to continue to support and pray for his government to succeed in its avowed determination to uplift the state. 

Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, charged Nigerians to work toward the prosperity of the country, saying Nigeria could be on the path of progress if the citizens continue to display fairness, equity and justice. 

Speaking on Sunday at the Independence Day celebration service held at the Chapel of Christ The Light, Alausa, Ikeja, Sanwo-Olu said, “We know Nigeria is going through a lot. We know that our country is going through turbulent times in our polity, management of affairs, security challenges, pandemic, unemployment, inequality, inflation and issues that are ravaging the entire world and also affecting us. But in all of these, God remains God and He will continue to stay and abide with us.” 

Imo State governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, in his address at a special church service at the Government House Chapel, Owerri, reiterated his belief in the unity of Nigeria and called on all Nigerians and Imo State citizens in particular to “eschew bitterness, rancour, sentiments and emotions, drop all the differences in us and maximize those things that unite us for a greater Nigeria.” 

He called on the leadership of the country at all levels to “think of a greater Nigeria by tackling governance in the best way that will benefit our people.” 

Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, however, said the country is still grappling with leadership challenge, adding that leadership failure had brought Nigeria to the point in its history where it needed God more than ever. 

At the interdenominational church service to mark the Independence anniversary, held at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Port Harcourt, he lamented that there is hardly anything for Nigerians to celebrate as the country marks 61st Independence anniversary. Wike said it is regrettable that Nigeria’s leadership continues to entrench hatred, mediocrity, promote ethnicity and religion. 

“This is the time that Nigeria needs God more,” he said, adding that, “The country is gone. Insecurity everywhere. Everyone needs to say ‘God, we need you’ because man’s leadership has failed this country.”