By Shindong Bala; Editing by Basirat Memudu
The Senior Pastor of King Worship Chapel and Ministry, Reverend Samson Albert Mangai, says Nigeria is capable of overcoming its challenges if leaders are sincere and prioritize the needs of the masses in policy formulation and programme implementation.
The cleric stated this while speaking at an event organized in honour of the former leader of the church, Reverend Ayuba David Azzaman.
It was a solemn occasion as worshippers gathered to sing songs of worship, share testimonies of past experiences, and rededicate their lives to God.
Reverend Samson Albert Mangai used the occasion to speak on national issues bordering on unity among religious groups, national cohesion, and societal growth.
He lamented that despite global advancement in technology, Nigeria is yet to harness its abundant human and natural resources for the benefit of its citizens.
Reverend Mangai urged religious leaders to uphold the tenets of their faiths and hold leaders accountable whenever they deviate from genuine leadership principles.
He stressed that peace, justice, and fairness remain essential ingredients for national development, noting that a nation cannot progress when citizens are divided along ethnic, religious, and political lines.
The cleric also called on Nigerians to embrace tolerance and mutual understanding, irrespective of their religious or cultural backgrounds, saying the country’s diversity should be seen as a source of strength rather than division.
According to him, many of the nation’s socio-economic and security challenges could be addressed if leaders demonstrate transparency, accountability, and commitment to good governance.
Reverend Mangai further appealed to youths not to lose hope in the future of the country, urging them to remain law-abiding, acquire skills, and contribute positively to national development.
In a sermon, Evangelist Mohammed Mohammed of Gospel of Christ International said no religion was established to promote disunity, but that some leaders take advantage of their positions to create confusion in society.
He emphasized the need for Nigerians to return to the values of honesty, compassion, and service to humanity, adding that religion should serve as a tool for peacebuilding and moral guidance.
Evangelist Mohammed also urged clerics across different faiths to continue preaching messages that encourage peaceful coexistence and discourage hatred, violence, and intolerance.
Reverend Mrs. Agatha Ayuba Azzaman, wife of the late Reverend Azzaman, described her husband as a devoted gospel preacher who left an indelible mark on the lives of many people who came across him.
She said the late cleric dedicated his life to evangelism, mentoring young ministers, and promoting unity among Christians and adherents of other faiths.
Some worshippers at the event described Reverend Azzaman as a courageous preacher whose teachings inspired many people to remain steadfast in their faith despite prevailing challenges in society.
According to Deacon Mutane Isuwa Luka of the church, the event was organized to remind believers of the need to continue promoting the virtues of Christian living towards impacting lives positively.
He noted that the legacy of the late Reverend Azzaman would continue to inspire generations of Christians to remain committed to serving God and humanity with sincerity and humility.
Special prayers were also offered for peace, unity, and sustainable development in Nigeria, as participants called on citizens and leaders alike to work collectively towards building a better society.
