By Aderonke Ojo
Bishop Sam Tukura has urged Christians to cultivate a culture of genuine thanksgiving to God, saying many people often forget to appreciate divine blessings.
Tukura gave the admonition on Sunday while preaching at the annual thanksgiving service of Christ the Rock of Ages Evangelical Gospel Mission, Passo, Gwagwalada.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the cleric, who spoke on the theme of thanksgiving, said the service provided worshippers with an opportunity to reflect on daily challenges and acknowledge God’s faithfulness.
He said believers needed to consciously pause amid life’s situations to appreciate God for life, health and family.
Tukura also outlined the church’s humanitarian interventions, especially its long-standing prison outreach.
According to him, the church recently visited the Suleja Correctional Centre, where provisions were prepared for 17 inmates, but only 15 benefited after the fines of two inmates were paid by another individual.
He explained that the outreach was conducted through the Imam and Pastors Interfaith Forum for Peace, adding that similar visits were scheduled for Dec. 27 at the Suleja and Gwagwalada correctional centres.
Tukura said the organisation had been involved in prison outreach for more than 10 years, while its operations as a structured organisation began about five years ago.
He expressed concern over the welfare of female inmates, revealing that about 47 women were currently held at the Suleja Correctional Centre, many of whom lacked basic necessities such as sanitary pads.
He called for collaboration among the media, charity organisations and other stakeholders to support vulnerable groups.
Drawing from the Bible, Tukura reminded Christians of the story of the ten lepers healed by Jesus, only one of whom returned to give thanks, stressing that thanksgiving should come genuinely from the heart and not be treated as a ritual.
Also speaking, Bishop Joseph Vambe, President of the International Christian Organisation for Sustainable Development, described thanksgiving as an essential Christian culture observed annually.
Vambe said the service was an opportunity to thank God for preservation throughout the year, expressing optimism that 2026 would be greater.
In his remarks, Bishop Afolabi Emmanuel, founder and host pastor of Christ the Rock of Ages Evangelical Gospel Mission, thanked God for the growth of the church, noting that the congregation was marking its third year at its current location.
Emmanuel urged members to trust God and be patient with divine timing, adding that God’s time remained the best.
He also expressed hope for Nigeria, encouraging citizens, especially youths, not to lose courage despite current challenges.
Earlier, the Head Usher of the church, Mrs Olanrewaju Taiwo, said the 2025 annual thanksgiving was powerful and well-organised.
She expressed hope for increased youth participation and the expansion of the church’s work in advancing the kingdom of God. (NAN)
Edited by Tosin Kolade
