President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has urged the Methodist Church in Nigeria to remain steadfast in prayers for their communities, the nation, and her leaders, adding that their prayers remain a source of strength and guidance.
President Tinubu said this during the 40th Anniversary celebration service of the Abuja Archdiocese of the Methodist Church held at the Methodist Cathedral of Unity, Wuse Zone 5, on Sunday, October 13, 2024.
The President who was represented by the FCT Minister, Barrister Nyesom Wike, said, “I urge you, to remain steadfast in your commitment to prayer—not just for your communities but for our beloved Nigeria and its leaders. Your prayers are a source of strength and guidance as we navigate the complexities of governance”.
The president also called on the church to continue its work of service, outreach, and mission of compassion and to work hand in hand with the government, following the tenets of the Renewed Hope Agenda, to help create a Nigeria that will meet the collective aspirations of the citizenry.
According to President Tinubu, the challenges confronting Nigeria today require a united front saying, “Today, I call upon you to continue your service, outreach, and compassion mission. The challenges we face as a nation require a united front. Your church can be a platform for social transformation, where individuals come together to enact change, promote peace, and uplift the people.
“By working hand in hand with the government and embracing the tenets of the Renewed Hope Agenda, we can create a Nigeria that reflects our collective aspirations.”
Speaking on the church’s activities in its 182 years of existence in Nigeria, President Tinubu said that the church has been instrumental in promoting peace and unity in Nigeria through its messages, promoting love, reconciliation, and understanding.
“The Church has been instrumental in promoting peace and unity in our nation, and your messages promoting love, reconciliation, and understanding through the years have fostered dialogue among diverse communities, encouraging us to embrace our differences and work towards a common good.”
He also commended the Methodist Church for its contribution to nation-building over the years through social, justice, education, and humanitarian outreach.
While congratulating the Abuja Archdiocese on reaching the 40th-anniversary milestone, the President urged congregants to reflect on the Methodist church’s impact on society and recommit themselves to the values of love and service that the church embodies.
Also speaking in a similar vein were former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Senate President David Mark and Minister of Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun
In his message, the Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence Oliver Ali Aba, called for support for the government, saying that the challenges currently being experienced will soon be a thing of the past.