FORMER head of state and Covener, Nigeria Prays, General Yakubu Gowon, has said prayer remains a critical factor in the quest to solve problems facing the country.
General Gowon said this in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, on Sunday, while addressing a congregation at a national prayer rally organised by the Nigeria Prays (South-West zone), a non-denominational religious group ,held at Victory International Church, Oluyole Estate Extension, Ibadan.
“Let us be rest assured that our prayers are not in vain. And I can say this with every authority that prayer can solve problems better and faster than generals and soldiers can do with physical weapons of war.
“I have no doubt in my heart that God will honour our collective prayer and intercession for our dear nation and assist our nation of all the challenges facing it.”
He, however, expressed gratitude to the presiding Bishop of Victory International Church, Bishop Taiwo Adelakun, who is also the chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), his wife, Pastor Dolapo Adelakun and the entire members of the church for the hospitality accorded him and his team during the period.
“Let me also express my sincere gratitude as well as that of the of Conveners of Nigeria Prays to the Oyo State government, for the support and involvement in the prayer rally “.
In his remarks, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, commended General Gowon for the initiative, while describing it as a mission aimed at promoting the virtues of transparency, incorruptibility, integrity and fellowship.
He, therefore, called for attitudinal change, adding that prayer without hard work can not solve the problems facing the country.
The governor, who described General Gowon as a Godly man, said that the retired general had and is still serving humanity diligently, having piloted Nigeria through turbulent times at a young age.
Present on the occasion were: the Bishop of Ibadan Diocese (Anglican communion), Right Rev Joseph Akinfenwa, the chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State, Pastor Benjamin Akanmu, national director, Nigeria Prays, Rev (Dr) Moses Aransiola, among others.
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