The Vice Chancellor of Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello has advocated for a thanksgiving day in Nigeria, saying that if it is possible, it should be a day that the whole country would praise God, dance and rejoice.

Speaking at the annual praise of The Redeemed Christian of God, Region 31 tagged, ‘All Sisters African Praise’ (ASAP) in Lagos, she said: “Anywhere there are praises, I would love to be there. I am always elated by praises. I love to dance, and enjoy myself in the presence of the Lord.

“You see that nobody is thinking of inflation or cost of anything here; they are all happy, they are rejoicing in the presence of God. That’s the joy of Christ.”

Speaking about how ASAP came to be, the Convener, who is the wife of the Pastor in-charge of Region 31, Pastor Mrs. Felicia Adeyokunnu, said that the event allows everyone to praise God in different ways irrespective of tribe, language and what is happening in Nigeria.

“We don’t believe in any tribe, that’s why we call it ‘All Sisters African Praise.’ Whether you are Ibo, Hausa or Yoruba, we are one and that’s why it holds every year. We come together as one body in Christ and as one nation.

“Everyone is dressed in their traditional attire to praise God. If Nigerians could praise God together, things would get better because I believe there’s power in praising the Lord.”

“Irrespective of tribe or religion, Christians, or Muslims, if everybody can come together to praise Him, God would look down from heaven and heal our land because the Bible says, ‘if my people who are called by my name would humble themselves and pray, God would listen.

“So, there’s power in praising God. I encourage every Nigerian to praise Him; forget every sorrow and problem. Just believe in God, who will meet all your needs,” she said.

Adeyokunnu noted that the vision to start ASAP was revealed to her more than 20 years ago.

The guest artistes at the event included, Yinka Alaseyori, Lilian Nneji, Titi Euba, Sholly Moore, the mass choir of Lagos Province 8 and several others.

Former First Lady of Cross River State, Mrs. Onari Duke was one of the special guests at the event, which lasted several hours.