God’ll rebuild Nigeria, says Oritsejafor

PUNCH.

CAN President, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor

The Christian Association of Nigeria has congratulated Nigerians on the nation’s 55th Independence anniversary, saying despite the challenges, “Nigeria now stands well-built upon a firm foundation.”

According to CAN, God will rebuild Nigeria, the same way He used Nehemiah to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem.

The association also commiserated with the Sultan of Sokoto and the leader of Nigerian Muslims, Sa’aid Abubakar lll, on the stampede tragedy during the ongoing Hajj in Mina, Saudi Arabia, and expressed its sympathy to the deceased families and all Nigerian Muslims.

The President of CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, in his message, said the celebration offered the country, “yet another great opportunity to reflect on our individual and collective attempts to take our country to its desired destination.”

He said, “As we continue to reflect on our efforts as an independent nation having acquired our rightful status 55 years ago, I feel sure that history will show that the building of our nation proceeded at the wisest pace, although plagued by different challenges. Nigeria now stands well-built upon a firm foundation, despite its ups and downs.

“But as many people would say, we are not yet where we are supposed to be; but we are relentless, and we are still forging ahead as individuals and as a nation. This fact we cannot negotiate or trade for anything.

“The times call for sober and committed reflection on what we have done and what we have not done to advance the cause of our nation. These times also call for sacrifice and genuine service in anything that we are called to do for our fatherland.

“Nigerians, regardless of their ethno-religious and socio-political leanings, must contribute to this task of nation building. This therefore calls for prayers and support for leaders at all levels. I believe this clarion call is also divine.

“This is premised on the fact that the leader matters, but he cannot change things alone. If God can use Nehemiah to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, in all arms of government, I believe we have many Nehemiahs.

“There are many of them among teachers and the clergy. God will use these various Nehemiahs to rebuild this country, if our leaders give opportunities to the right persons to anchor the progress of our society.

“I can say again that Nigeria will succeed; with our cooperation we shall succeed indeed! As we reflect today, let us take a cue from the words of our founding fathers and contribute our own little quota to the growth of our nation. Every one of us has a role to play, and together, we can make a positive change in our nation.

“Permit me to also solicit the support of compatriots for troops engaged in different theatres with the sole aim of protecting our individual and collective wealth and our national territory. Let us use the occasion of our independence to commit them to prayers and other forms of support to troops in the front-line and their families in the barracks. This will in no small way advance the cause of Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.”