By Philomina Attah
Christian leaders have called for sustained intercessory prayers for President Bola Tinubu and other political leaders to navigate Nigeria out of its current security and economic challenges.
The call was made at a national prayer gathering organised by the Northern Christian Religious Leaders Assembly (NOCRELA) on Thursday in Abuja.
The meeting brought together leaders from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Nigerian Christian Pilgrim Commission (NCPC), and various church groups.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of NCPC, Bishop Stephen Adegbite, urged Christians to stand in the gap for President Tinubu, describing him as a leader committed to the nation’s unity, greatness, and well-being.
Adegbite acknowledged the economic difficulties currently faced by many citizens but expressed optimism that ongoing reforms would yield long-term benefits for the country.
“You are not the type that will be bringing Nigeria down; you are building Nigeria up,” Adegbite said, emphasising that intercessory prayer remained essential amidst insecurity and real-world uncertainties.
The Convener and Leader of NOCRELA, Archbishop JohnPraise Daniel, declared that in spite of banditry, bloodletting, and financial strain, Nigeria could overcome its plight through divine intervention and collective citizen action.
“Nigeria will rise. Don’t give up. Great things will happen. There shall be healing in our land,” Daniel said.
He stressed that nation-building was a shared responsibility rather than a duty meant solely for political officeholders.
“If Nigeria must change, things must happen. It must come from every one of us. Not just from the President, Vice President, governor, or Senate. Every one of us has something to contribute to make our nation great,” he added.
Delivering a message, the CAN President, His Eminence Archbishop Daniel Okoh, noted that Nigeria stood at a critical juncture as political activities build toward the 2027 general elections.
Okoh was represented by the Director of Ecumenism and Interfaith Relations, Very Rev. Princewill Ireoba.
He cautioned against political manipulation, asserting that the country’s primary need must move beyond political strategies to divine wisdom, justice, and responsible leadership.
“We should encourage our members to participate actively and responsibly in the democratic process and remind all political actors that political power is a trust, not a licence for oppression and corruption,” Okoh stated.
He reaffirmed CAN’s commitment to collaborating with NOCRELA and other bodies to promote peace, democratic integrity, and social justice across the nation.
Quoting biblical principles from 2 Chronicles 7:14, the faith leaders jointly urged Nigerians to maintain hope, practice humility, and embrace repentance as fundamental steps toward national recovery.
The national prayer session featured intense intercessions for divine wisdom for leaders, an end to violent crime, economic revitalisation, peaceful elections, alongside worship and song ministrations by interdenominational choirs.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Funmilayo Adeyemi