Despite the disillusionment and economic downturn in the country, the Primate of the Church of the Lord (Aladura), the Most Revd Rufus Ositelu, has identified five reasons Nigerians should praise God.
In a message released to Church Times on Wednesday September 30, Ositelu stated that rather than bemoan the rising cost of living and current challenges, Nigerians should focus on thanksgiving.
According to him, the first reason to thank God is the relative peace and security the country has enjoyed so far. “We are not there yet as regards security, but so far I believe we have every cause to thank God. As we thank God, I believe our situation will improve and Nigeria will enjoy ultimate peace.”
Secondly, he noted that Nigerians should give thanks for leadership decisions, particularly ongoing efforts and discussions surrounding constitutional reform toward fiscal federalism. “This is a plus for us as a country. Moving toward true fiscal federalism will help strengthen our federal system of government.”
Ositelu, who also serves as the Africa Region President of the World Council of Churches, listed the removal of the petrol subsidy as the third point for thanksgiving, noting that it has allowed the government to save funds and block avenues of corruption. “We are feeling the pain of subsidy removal, but I believe it is only a matter of time before the pain eases and we all enjoy the gains.”
A fourth point of thanksgiving, according to Ositelu, is the continued unity among the country’s diverse ethnic groups. “That we have not gone our separate ways is a reason to thank God. I believe God still has a purpose for us as a nation. There is unity in the country, which I believe will evolve into national prosperity.”
The cleric further urged Nigerians to thank God for signs of hope and future prosperity. “You may not agree with me, but I believe Nigerians have hope and are experiencing prosperity. The massive infrastructure development this present government is carrying out across the country is a clear sign of prosperity.”
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