Vice
President Yemi Osinbajo, former Head of State Yakubu Gowon and ex Head of the
Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan, were among dignitaries who
graced the 2017 Christmas Praise Concert on Thursday in Abuja.
The
event, which took place at the State House Conference Centre, was onganised by
the Presidency to honour God for the gift of Christ, keeping the country
together as well as for greater opportunities for the country in future.
Other
dignitaries at the event were serving and former ministers, the Head of
Service, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, former and serving members of the National
Assembly, led by Reps Speaker Yakubu Dogara.
Also
in attendance were governors of Plateau and Osun as well as former Governor of
Rivers, Dr Peter Odili and his wife, Justice Mary Odili.
Pastor
Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God
(RCCG), handled the ministration.
He
prayed for Nigerians and the leaders of the country and for God to continue to
direct their affairs.
Adeboye
said that Nigerians should be grateful to the Almighty for keeping the country
together in spite of the challenges and prayed that the peace in the country
should be sustained.
Citing
many testimonies of individuals who received God’s favour in various forms, the
cleric stated that God is Almighty and lifts people and nations out of
troubles and sicknesses by touching, lifting, embracing the one He chooses.
Accordingly,
he said that anyone so favoured would continue to reap the benefits.
Adeboye,
however, warned that those who shun following the ways of the Lord could be
left by Him to suffer and advised all who had not given their lives to God to
quickly do so.
The
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that three scripture lessons were read at
the concert by Speaker Yakubu Dogara, Finance Minister Kemi Adeosun as
well as the Head of Service, Mrs Oyo Ita.
The
event also featured songs of praise and Christmas carol delivered by the Aso
Villa Chapel Choir and its Children’s wing; Minna Choral Society choir; the Port
Harcourt Male Ensemble International and combined choir of the military and
para military forces.
Special
renditions were also made by the FCT School for the Blind choir to the
admiration of the guests as well as by top gospel singers, Blessing Ilagha,
Nathaniel Bassey and Pastor Kunle Ajayi.
The
Spokesman to the Vice President, Pastor Laolu Akande, on behalf of his boss,
thanked the guests for keeping a date with the Presidency and prayed for God to
see the nation through in its endeavours.(NAN)
0 Comments