Faithfulness will renew hope of a new Nigeria, says Ayejoto

Vicar of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church and the Archdeacon of Ogudu Archdeaconry in the Lagos West of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Venerable (Dr.) Christopher Ayejoto, has said the country could regain her lost glory, if Nigerians were prepared to return to God, have faith in Him and turn from their wicked ways.

Ayejoto, who disclosed this during the Ash Wednesday service held at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Ogudu, Lagos last Wednesday to herald the commencement of the Lenten period, lamented the level of ungodliness in the land and likened the situation of Nigeria to that described in Romans 1:18-31, where there was so much ungodliness in the land, as the people who claimed to know God did not glorify Him.

The Vicar charged Nigerians to return to God in humility and sincerity, adding that only He could help them overcome the myriad of challenges facing the country. The Archdeacon, who noted that the country had refused to make any significant progress, simply because of people’s unfaithfulness, however, counselled Nigerians not to be afraid, but to continue in prayers and supplication to God, especially now.

He quoted 2 Chronicles 7-14, where the Lord stated: “If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and forgive their sin and heal their land.”

He appealed to Nigerians to remain united, saying it is the only tool that could help them combat terrorism, kidnapping, Boko Haram insurgency, herdsmen attacks, marginalisation, high rate of unemployment, poverty and corruption, among others.

He also admonished Christians to see the Lenten period as an opportunity to emulate Christ’s steadfastness in the face of temptation, teachings, sufferings, death, resurrection and ascension.

The cleric described the Lenten period as a period of self-examination, repentance, confession, claiming God’s forgiveness, time to seek spiritual energy and general grace to march on in the Christian race, as well as reconcile with those around them and do good as stipulated in Isaiah 58: 6-7.