President Bola Tinubu has encouraged Nigerians, particularly members of the Methodist Church in Nigeria, to remain committed to praying for their communities, the nation, and its leaders. According to him, these prayers are a crucial source of strength and guidance for the country, especially as it navigates the challenges of governance.
This message was delivered during the 40th anniversary celebration of the Abuja Archdiocese of the Methodist Church, held at the Methodist Cathedral of Unity, Wuse Zone 5, on Sunday. The president, who was represented at the event by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike, urged the church to continue its mission of service and compassion. He emphasized that the current challenges facing Nigeria require collective efforts and cooperation between religious institutions and the government.
“I encourage you to remain steadfast in your commitment to prayer, not just for your communities but for Nigeria and its leaders,” Tinubu said. “Your prayers provide strength and guidance as we work through the complexities of governance.”
He called on the church to partner with the government in creating a Nigeria that aligns with the collective aspirations of its citizens, in line with his administration’s “Renewed Hope Agenda.” Tinubu also highlighted the important role the church can play as a platform for social transformation, helping to promote peace, enact positive change, and uplift people.
“Today, I call upon you to continue your service, outreach, and mission of compassion,” the president added. “The challenges we face as a nation require a united front. Your church can be a place where individuals unite to bring about change, foster peace, and raise the standard of living for all.
”Reflecting on the Methodist Church’s 182 years of existence in Nigeria, Tinubu commended its significant contributions to the promotion of peace and unity. He noted that the church’s messages of love, reconciliation, and understanding have helped to bridge divides between communities, fostering dialogue and encouraging Nigerians to embrace their differences for the greater good.
“The church has been instrumental in promoting peace and unity in our nation,” he stated. “Your long-standing messages of love, reconciliation, and understanding have fostered dialogue among diverse communities, encouraging us to work together for a common good.”
Tinubu also acknowledged the church’s contributions to nation-building over the years, particularly through its work in areas such as social justice, education, and humanitarian outreach.
As the Abuja Archdiocese marks its 40th anniversary, the president urged the congregation to reflect on the church’s positive impact on society and to recommit to the values of love and service that it stands for.
Former Nigerian leaders, including General Yakubu Gowon, Olusegun Obasanjo, and Goodluck Jonathan, as well as Senate President Godswill Akpabio, former Senate President David Mark, and the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, also delivered speeches at the event, echoing Tinubu’s sentiments.
In his message, the Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence Oliver Ali Aba, called on Nigerians to support the government, assuring that the current challenges facing the country would soon be overcome.
