By Chukwuma Umeorah
Handlifters Praying Group, in the spirit of festivity and celebration of love, has put smiles on the faces of the needy and indigent in the community as it provided them with food items, free medical checks and shared with them the divine message of peace.
This is as the group recently marked its 20th anniversary of unbroken prayers for the nation and its leaders at the palace of the traditional ruler of Onigbongbo, Maryland, Lagos, Oluwasegun Adeyemi Ajasa.
The guest speaker, Anselm Madubuko, used the occasion to preach for a united Nigeria and for people to live a Godly life.
Convener of the group, Chinyere Adegboye, disclosed the move was to reach out to the needy in the society regardless of their religious affiliation as Christians, Muslims and traditionalists. The beneficiaries of the programme went home with food items ranging from rice, garri, indomie among others.
She said the group hitherto engaged in charitable activities in other areas and expressed her vision to expand beyond the shore of the country.
“We started several years ago, and our activities are not limited to this Onigbongbo community. We also extend our hands of giving to other communities in Lagos and other states like Imo. Subsequently, we want to reach out to other African countries like Kenya, Ghana and South Africa. We want to reach out to their rural communities,” he said.
While encouraging others to live a legacy of giving, she solicited support from corporate organisations, government and well-meaning individuals who share the same vision.
“As Christians or human beings, we must learn to give to people. To make sure poverty is alleviated all over the world. Not only Nigeria but across the globe. The less privileged should be cared for and be helped,” he said.
On his part, the Asojuoba of Onigbongbon Kingdom, Ganiyu Sadiq, while commending their effort, prayed for peace in the coming elections and for new Nigeria in 2023.
“My message is for us to love ourselves. If you love yourself and you love your brothers, you will be able to do good things. That is my advice to our people and everybody. Love yourself, love God and you love your neighbour. When God created the world, there was nothing like religion. We are all one,” he said.