By Philomina Attah
Clergymen from various Christian denominations have called on Nigerians to embrace unity and intensify prayers as the ultimate solution to the country’s current socio-economic and security challenges.
They made the call at the 2nd Annual Harvest Thanksgiving Service of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church Worldwide, Rehoboth Chapel of Glory International, Dakibiyu District, Lugbe, Abuja.
The event, themed “Harvest of Open Heavens,” brought together religious leaders and worshippers from across the country to seek divine intervention for the nation.
Speaking at the event, the Leader-in-Charge of the parish, Pastor Femi Akinfenwa, noted that harvest celebrations should go beyond merry-making and serve as a platform to unite people for national progress.
”The way I see harvest is gathering people together so that we magnify God and His greatness can be seen in our lives.
“In just two years of our existence, God has been faithful. We are using this medium to call for unity among all Nigerians to foster national development,” Akinfenwa said.
He highlighted the rapid growth of the church, including the recent inauguration of a new secretariat, pastor’s office, a children’s department, and a church guesthouse, as proof that positive transformation is achievable in spite of difficult times.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN), Kano State Chapter, Rev Dr Samuel Asake, stated that Nigeria was currently at a crossroad and required divine intervention to defeat the forces of division and insecurity.
”When you look at the situation of Nigeria, we actually need an open heaven. When there is an open heaven in Nigeria, we are going to enjoy peace, happiness, progress, and joy.
”We trust God to silence all the evil and manipulation affecting the peace of our country, irrespective of our regional or religious backgrounds,” Asake added.
Also speaking, a Guest Minister at the event, Pastor Nathaniel Ayankanmi, cautioned Nigerians against undermining the power of prayer, noting that the country would have collapsed completely without spiritual intercession.
Ayankanmi cited the recent miraculous rescue of 44 children in Oyo State as a clear manifestation of answered prayers, rather than human strategy alone.
”There can’t be development without unity, joy, and happiness. It’s our way of celebrating God’s faithfulness on Nigeria.
“There are countries that are in serious turmoil today because they don’t acknowledge God.
”People think you can over-pray, but without those prayers, Nigeria’s situation would have been worse. We bless God because He still hears the prayers of the faithful,” Ayankanmi stated.
On his part, Pastor Alex Ogundipe of the Peculiar Church, Kubwa, urged citizens to pair their prayers with absolute obedience to godly principles and generosity toward one another to attract divine favour for the country.
He noted that the current hardships required citizens to be merciful to their neighbours, stressing that “you cannot be stingy and expect the mercy of God to be upon your life.”
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that the event featured special prayers for national peace, economic recovery, and leadership guidance for Nigeria’s leaders.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abdulfatai Beki/Isaac Aregbesola