Gowon urges prayers for nation’s ills

By SIMON EBEGBULEM
BENIN CITY— FORMER Head of State and Convener of Nigeria Prays, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, Thursday, called on Nigerians to pray for the ills militating against the growth of the country.

Speaking in Benin City, Edo State, at the national day of prayer for Nigeria, organised by National Orientation Agency, NOA, in conjunction with Yakubu Gowon Foundation, the former head of state said that though the pace of development in the country was unsatisfactory,  Nigerians must not lose hope.

Gowon who spoke through Deputy Coordinator, Nigeria Prays, Apostle Precious Okonta, also charged Nigerians to eschew violence in resolving individual and collective grievances.

He said: “We know that Nigeria is not going the way we hoped but we should spend time and talk to God about our country, to minister to our leaders, at national and other levels that peace may reign.

“For meaningful development to continue in our country, we need to pray. We are going to pray against the sins of corruption, killings and other crimes that continue to bedevil the country. I pray for peace and progress in this nation.

“We proclaim love, peace and unity upon our country, Nigeria. Amen.”

Edo State Director, NOA, Chief Richard David,  noted that the programme was for Nigerians to appeal for divine intervention, in the myriad of problems confronting the country.

“You are no doubt aware that Nigeria is currently facing peace and security challenges, which had claimed many lives and property of innocent citizens. It is, therefore, to comprehensively address this ugly situation that NOA found it necessary to appeal to Nigerians to use this forum to seek God’s intervention in these difficult times such as now,” he stated.