BOJI-BOJI/Nigeria: In a fervent call to action, the Resident Pastor of Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel Agbor branch, Pastor Israel Akhibi, implored Christians to persistently pray for the revival of Nigeria, asserting that the nation will rise again.
Pastor Akhibi emphasized the critical need for persistent prayer for Nigeria, citing the potential consequences of neglecting such a vital aspect of national healing. He said, “We must continue to intercede in prayer for Nigeria. Many great countries, including Israel, have faced turbulent times, but through prayer and dedication to nation-building, their economies were revived.”
Despite the numerous challenges that Nigeria has endured over the years, Pastor Akhibi expressed optimism about the nation’s resilience, saying, “Despite the challenges our dear country has gone through over the years, we are still one. The truth is that why Nigeria is still standing is by the help of God.”
Continuing his address, Pastor Akhibi pointed out the reasons for Nigerians to celebrate their independence, noting, “At least we are not at war. There is hope that Nigeria will be restored to its original glory because nothing lasts forever, but there is a need for us to keep our faith alive and be agents of change.”
Additionally, he encouraged the youth to prepare themselves to assume leadership roles in the country, expressing confidence that the narrative would soon change.
In a separate event, Venerable Friday Ejemrae, the Vicar of St Stephen’s Anglican Church in Effurun, highlighted the issue of monopoly in essential services and products as a significant obstacle to growth and improved living standards in Nigeria.
During an independence service held at St Stephen’s Anglican Church on Jakpa Road, in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, Venerable Ejemrae delivered a sermon titled “Handling Opposition.” He explained that opposition often hinders progress in Nigeria when individuals oppose ideas that could lead to success, especially if they believe those ideas won’t benefit them or will expose their wrongdoings.
Ejemrae remarked, “People who engage in opposition are not happy with good things. They criticize those doing the right things and recruit others to join them in carrying out their nefarious schemes.”
Offering solutions to overcoming opposition, the cleric stressed the importance of wisdom, love, and taking practical, godly steps after prayer. He drew parallels with the biblical account in Nehemiah chapter four, where Sanballat and Tobias attempted to obstruct Nehemiah from rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem.
Venerable Ejemrae concluded with a cautionary note, saying, “Be careful not to be recruited to fight against something you know nothing about because every action you take has consequences.”
