As part of its activities to mark Nigeria’s 61st Independence Anniversary Celebration, Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu and other Christian leaders have led citizens to observe fasting and prayer session in order to seek the face of God in ending the present challenges confronting the country.
The Fasting and Prayer Session held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium with the Theme:”Oh Lord Heal Our Land” featured Intercessory Prayers against Insecurity,Terrorism,Banditry, Social Vices and the unity of the nation as well as the Rededication of the State to God.
Speaking at the event, Governor Ikpeazu expressed worry about the loss in value for human lives occasioned by killings and other social vices in addition to the current challenges facing the country and noted that these calls for serious prayers.
The Governor while noting that there is cause to worry with the spate of happenings in the Country said the prayer summit was organized to thank God for how He has led the state thus far.
He disclosed that although Abia is peaceful, happenings in other states calls for Christians be spiritually vigilant and harped against spiritual complacency.
“We have gathered for two reasons, the first is a way of declaring publicly that i am tired and unable if not for God, we would have lost all hope. Any body who does not know what is happening in Nigeria today is either dead or spiritually blind.
“There is cause to worry because if you begin to feel that your yesterday was better than your today and that your today is perhaps going to be better than your tomorrow, that is a hopeless situation and that is where i think we have found ourselves”.
In his sermon, President of the Seventh Day Adventist Church, Pastor Bassey Udoh, regretted the rising increase of killings going on across the country urging evil doers to turn away from their evil ways as they will give account of their actions before God.
Pastor Udoh revealed that God’s purpose of creating Human being is not to destroy his fellow innocent citizen but to contribute positively to their environment, “Where ever you are speak peace, preach peace to your children, show love to others because that is the purpose of God’s creation”.
He admonished Christians not to define their lives with happenings around the world nor give in to fear but focus on God who can subdue all challenges.
State Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN), Senior Apostle Emmanuel Agomuoh, commended Governor Ikpeazu for his decision to celebrate the Country’s Independence with a Prayer summit and encouraged him to sustain the prayer summit a regular one.
In his opening remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Chris Ezem said that the leadership, unity of the country, security are all under trial in Nigeria, hence the need to gather to call on God to restore peace and heal the land.
Also, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Religious Matters, Elder Vincent Okwuonu disclosed that the theme for the prayers “OH LORD HEAL OUR LAND” and was taken from 2 Chronicals 7:14 and expressed optimism that as the people pray and call on God, He would hear them.
The Prayer Summit also featured prayers for the state and it’s leadership.
