•Achusim offers perspective on how to change the narrative
By Henry Umahi
For a new Nigeria to evolve, the leaders should change their ways, stop stealing what they don’t need and cultivate the habit of doing the right thing all the time even as they fear God intentionally.
•Niger Delta group
This was the submission of Rev. Dr. Adino C. Achusim, senior pastor, Banner of Victory Ministries International, Okota, Lagos, who insisted that Nigerians should be intentional about having the fear of God in all their transactions.
He told Daily Sun: “My message for Nigerians at this point in time is that we should be intentional about having the fear of God in all we do. Let us fear God intentionally, not waiting to be cajoled or preached to.
•South West group
“If the leadership of Nigeria and the society would be intentional about the fear of God, things will change. To fear God is the most important thing. The leaders should lead with the fear of God.
“The Bible says, the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. That is very important. Another thing is for Nigerians to express gratitude to God at all times, and exhibiting the characteristics of righteousness. The Bible says, righteousness exalts a nation.
“So, leaders at various levels should do things the right way. The righteousness in this context is not talking about holiness. I’m talking about doing everything in the right order. It not about religion but to do things in the right manner.
•South East group
“If you are leading, you must do the right things. You must do the right thing at the right time and doing what is right at all times.
“We are not talking about the righteousness that will take us to heaven but the righteousness that will establish the nation. The righteousness for salvation is different from doing the right thing as a leader. We have to be upright in our dealings.
“Again, the leadership should develop passion and love for the people. No president or governor can do well without having passion and love for the people they are leading. If you don’t love the people you are leading, you cannot do anything for them, you will only be selfish.
•Mr & Mrs Eze
“Our leaders should desist from being selfish. They should stop stealing what they know they don’t need. They should lead for the welfare and benefit of the people. The Bible says that Jesus saw the multitude and he had compassion.
“The bitter truth is that our leaders are not compassionate. I’m yet to see a compassionate leader in Nigeria. The very day we have a compassionate leader, everything about the nation will change positively. So, that is very important. Jesus loves the people, he had compassion for them, he fed them and he gave them all they required.”
Achusim, who spoke during the annual thanksgiving service Banner of Victory Ministries, said that it is scriptural do so.
He said: “It is God’s commandment to His church, that all of us who are His children should appear before Him three times in a year. And each occasion, we will not come to him empty handed.
“So, today is the annual thanksgiving of the church. Besides, we want to express gratitude to God for His goodness, mercy and kindness towards us.
“We are here to express gratitude because God expects us to be grateful to him for all He is doing.”
In his sermon, which focused on the theme of the programme, ‘Harvest of Mercy,’ Achusim said God is full of mercy. According to him, “every child of God is a candidate of mercy. Grace is one of the pillars of the earth.”
He urged his listeners to show mercy to others so that they shall obtain mercy.
One of the highpoints of the event was the display of Nigeria’s rich cultural heritage sourced from its multicultural communities. In fact, it was like a competition, with every group trying to out perform one another. It was obvious that so much efforts went into rehearsals and preparations, resulting in near perfect performances.
Resplendent in their traditional attires, the women showed that though they might be living in a foreign land, they are still in touch with their roots.
The groups that performed with the zeal of competition and dexterity of professionals included the Igbo, Niger Delta and Yoruba. The Niger Delta group members were yelling and dancing and the audience was captivated.
The Yoruba group captured the attention of the audience with their leader’s exhortations of God, blessing His name in worship. It was awe-inspiring.
The energetic dancing of the Igbo group was their cutting edge. A woman holding a whistle was in control, directing events. Sometimes, she increased the tempo with her instrument. Memories are made of such moments.
Apart from the general thanksgiving, some individual families also expressed gratitude to God for He had done. Mazi James Eke, who also celebrated his birthday at event, said: “We all have every reason to be thankful to God for His goodness and mercy.”