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• As Aladura prophet predicts strange disease, terrorist attack in US, UK in 2018
•Says two S’ West monarch may die
By Our Reporter
Nigeria is set to emerge from its current convulsions, but only if the government listened to the yearning of the people.
Most Revd. Rufus Okikiola Ositelu, Primate of The Church of the Lord (Prayer Fellowship) Worldwide (a.k.a. Aladura) gave the assurance while proclaiming prophecies to the world and Nigeria in particular for 2018, at the 81st Holy Mount Tabieorar Retreat on August 22, 2017. The Leader of Aladura Communion worldwide predicted that a new Nigeria, with its glory restored would result from the present afflictions and throes of economic, political and social instability
But he was emphatic on the need for the Federal Government to be sensitive to the needs and aspirations of the citizens, especially on the need for political reforms and adherence to fiscal federalism.
He, however, warned of a looming outbreak of epidemics in the Northern part of the country and death of two popular traditional rulers in South-West and two Church leaders in the country, urging fervent prayers against these calamities manifesting.
Also, the eminent cleric prophesied that: “There will be violence in some parts of the country towards the middle of the year.
On the global scene, Primate Ositelu prophesied that: “Some powerful nations of the world be warned to be wary of war and desist from manufacturing weapons of war mass destruction or else, they will encounter the wrath of God and be humbled by lesser powerful nations, while government of the United Kingdom pray very well to avert another terrorist attack in the country, and the city of London in particular.
“Let the United Nations pray against war and breakdown of peace in Africa and Asia. Let the United States of America pray against the outbreak of strange disease that may linger for long before the cure is discovered.
The Mount Tabieorar Retreat is an annual spiritual festival that attracts members of the over eight- million-man strong- congregation across the world. It is always and occasion of rejoicing and thanksgiving by worshippers in honour of God for his protection and blessings in the previous years. It is also used to pray for the nation and the world.
The 81-year old religious tradition by the indigenous prophetic and healing ministry, it is believed is the precursor of similar retreats by new generation churches.
Delivering his message to the nation during the ministration on Mount Tabieorar, at the church headquarters at Ogere, Dr. Ositelu said that Nigeria is a country created by God for His glory as the most populated black nation on the planet earth. He said further that the country is endowed with huge human and natural resources to positively influence and affect Africa (and indeed the World) socially, economically and politically.
Constitutional review/restructuring
Among other issues he raised, the cleric lauded the setting up of the Committee on Restructuring and Fiscal Federalism by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) Federal Government, describing it as a step in the right direction to rescue the nation from tension, anarchy and instability and launch it on the path of peace and progress. Specifically, he stressed that fiscal federalism is the major antidote for many of the woes confronting this country.
Peace and security
Primate Ositelu decried the wanton destruction of lives and property, senseless killings of innocent worshippers and burning down of places of worship being perpetrated by Boko Haram insurgents, herdsmen, kidnappers and hoodlums and, therefore, tasked the Federal Government to live up to the expectation of Nigerians in its primary function of protecting the lives and property of the citizenry.
In this direction Dr. Ositelu urged the Federal Government to consider the use of community/state police to meet the exigencies of the moment.
Condemning the escalation of hate speeches among inter- ethnic groups that has kept the nation on edge for the past few months, the religious movement leader urged Nigerians to “imbibe the culture of religious tolerance, eschew tribalism, nepotism and emphasize the factors that unite us, rather than those that divide us. He further stated that unity in diversity should be used as a source of great strength.
The economy
Dr. Ositelu predicted a healthy recovery of the economy, but urged government to address more vigorously the issues of diversification of the economy, especially in the areas of agriculture and mineral resources.
Social services
Noting that education, health and welfare are services to be provided by the state to ensure the well being of its citizens, he urged the government to provide good schools, hospitals and health centres, and social nets for its citizens.
Unemployment
The Primate deplored the high rate of unemployment of the youth as alarming, observing that it has rendered many disillusioned and frustrated. Ositelu, therefore, urged the overhaul of the educational system in order to produce employers of labour and not only job seekers. Government, he said, should also create more skills acquisition and various youth enterprising employment programme centres in all parts of the country.
Infrastructure
He also urged the Federal Government to collaborate with state governments to close the infrastructure deficit gap, to enable the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to grow faster, provide better services to the people and reduce unemployment. He noted that adequate infrastructural facilities and installations are needed to keep the society functioning.
Corruption
Primate Ositelu called on all to join the present administration in its war against corruption. And he also stressed that all perpetrators should be brought to book, while efforts must be intensified to recover all looted monies both home and abroad.
Violence against women and children
Primate Ositelu condemned domestic violence including wife battering, rape, discrimination, gender inequality and child abuse. He urged government to decisively tackle decisively them through appropriate legislations, in line with the United Nations Convention. We must say ‘No’ to violence against women and children.”
He prayed for Nigeria and called on clergies to continue to intercede for the country to have peace.
Many dignitaries including traditional rulers graced this year’s event made colourful by praise and worship by jubilant worshippers.
