Osinbajo tasks Christians on integrity, patriotism

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has reiterated the need for the Church to mold virtuous citizens, describing the responsibility as “urgent”.

According to him, “the real work of building the Church is that of building up men and women in the knowledge and nature of the Lord and showing others the way, the truth, and the light. That task is more urgent now than ever before.”

Osinbajo, who stated this, yesterday, at the dedication of the new church complex of All Saints Anglican Church, Wuse, Zone 5 Abuja, said: “The Church is a place to deliver people from fear, oppression and eternal damnation, a place of succour, joy, and encouragement. We must continue to build churches and places of worship, knowing that everywhere we plant a church, we establish the light and power of the gospel of the love of Jesus Christ. The forces of evil and hate are more virulent than ever. The battle between light and darkness is more intense than ever. But the Church will prevail.”

Also, Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev Henry Ndukuba, warned that deceit in leadership could compromise the security and integrity of a nation. He said infractions in the country’s security, compromise and betrayal are unacceptable. He, therefore, called on the military and political office holders to show sincerity and patriotism in their dealings.

He said: “Nothing brings down a nation as deceit. Compromise must stop. If we love Nigeria, let us live as patriots. God will arise for this nation one day. God is still the sovereign Lord of all. We need to encourage people not to give up.

“We have security, economic and other challenges confronting us. But we want to encourage everybody because the Church is also part of society. We are not separate from what is happening around us. If anything, we are also suffering. But we want to encourage everybody not to give up because God has not given upon us. We are trusting God that Nigeria will rise again.”

Ndukuba said the role of the Church should be to pray and teach the word of God. According to him, the “greatest weapon we have against anarchy and the work of darkness is the power of God and the word of God. He has never failed, so let us live true to our faith”.

He added: “We call on politicians, religious and traditional leaders, and all in authority to do the right thing. We will overcome only if we are united.”

Also, prayers were offered, yesterday, during the dedication of the new church building of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), City of David Parish, Utako, led by Pastor Idowu Iluyomade, an Assistant General Overseer and Regional Pastor from the RCCG City of David Parish, Apapa, Lagos.

Iluyomade urged Christians to remain steadfast with God especially in times of difficulty. He prayed for leaders of the country, including the President and the Vice President, and assured that sponsors of trouble in parts of the country would soon be arrested. “God will intervene personally and arrest those causing trouble in the country,” he said.

At the event, Osinbajo urged members of the City of David, Abuja parish, to look beyond the physical dedication and focus on bringing up great leaders that would carry on the legacies of the church.

He commended Pastor of the church, Gbolade Okenla, for his dedication and hard work, and praised the members for the sacrifices that birthed the new building, assuring them of the blessings that would follow their contributions.