From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
A Christian group, National Solemn Assembly (NaSA), has concluded plans to hold its maiden National Prayer, Praise and Thanksgiving Day, in Abuja, to celebrate the success of 2023 general elections and constitution of a new government under the leadership of President Ahmed Bola Tinubu.
The Group which comprises of church leaders from different denominations said the National Prayer, Praise, and Thanksgiving Day, was sequel to the conclusion of the 40 days fasting and prayer for peace and prosperity of Nigeria which began on 30th November, 2023.
Addressing journalists, in Abuja, on Thursday, the Chairman, National Solemn Assembly, Archbishop Leonard Bature Kawas, said the climax of the one-day event schedule for 1st December, 2023, is the presentation of awards to some eminent Nigerians for the growth and contributions to the peace and growth of Nigeria.
He listed some of the recipients of the award to include the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu; the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio; the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Minister of FCT, Nyesom Wike; Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar.
Others are Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde; Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum; Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; and the Deputy Speaker House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu.
Archbishop Kawas further noted that the NaSA will also be an avenue to thank God for not allowing the country to burn despite some prophesies and predictions from different quarters.
He said: “Today(Thursday) marks the 33rd day of our fasting and we have only seven days go. We set out to fast for 40 days and terminate it on the day before the National Solemn Assembly. So, I appeal to all Nigerians to join the fasting for the sake of the peace and development of Nigeria.
“Time has come for us to come together and praise our God, celebrate His Goodness and celebrate the leadership that He has given us. Many people gave different kinds of prophesies that Nigeria will burn, but God has proven everyone that made such prophesies wrong by making sure that Nigeria remains peaceful and we want the peace to continue, we want Nigeria to be one united country and we must show faith in the leadership God has given to us.
Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State Chapter, Reverend Stephen Adegbite, in his remarks, explained that the programme, though organised by a coalition of Christian organisations, is a nationalist one, and all embracing occasion.
He implored all Nigerians, home and abroad, to join the event as they seek the Face of God in praises and prayers to bless and guide the present administration and all elected public officials at all levels so that they will make the best decisions and policies for the good of the people.
“Our focus is the collective good of all Nigerians and how the people of Nigeria can benefit from the dividends of democracy. Our people have been through a lot, they have endured a lot, they deserve a lot of good things and a prosperous future.
“Whilst we support the new administration and all elected officials with our prayers, we must admonish all political office holders that they have a responsibility to deliver the much anticipated prosperity the people desire. Each individual must make themselves vessels of honour in the Hands of the Almighty”, he said.
Reverend Adegbite further explained that the award to the notable individuals including the First Lady, is a means of putting them on notice to deliver results matching the expectations of the people and offices they hold.