Independence Anniversary: Ndukuba commends Nigerians’ resilience for better country

“One thing about Nigeria is that Nigerians are resilient in the face of numerous challenges. In fact, it is said that if other nations suffer half of what we are passing through in the country, they may not be able to continue to exist.”

These are the words of the Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria at the 62nd Independence Anniversary Service held on October 1, at the Cathedral Church of the Advent, Life Camp, Abuja.

Calling for thanks and praise to God for sustaining the nation, he observed that if not for the Lord who has been with Nigeria, the country would have been dismembered due to all that have happened in it, including the massive loot of treasury.

The Primate noted that Nigeria is a nation with great destiny that will manifest in due time and, urged everyone to count on God for the greater things to come. “As we thank God, we encourage ourselves to stand strong and hold on to hope,” he said.

Ndukuba, who preached from Psalm 126:1- 4 and on the topic: “Total Restoration Of Nigeria: The Audacity of Hope,” declared that God is standing with Nigeria and that there would be a total turn around soon as God who intervened in the lives of the Israelites and delivered them from bondage will do same for Nigeria.

According to him, there is always a time of captivity for every nation of the world, but the dominion of God is forever, and as such Nigerians should put their trust on God.

He said: “When you have a reason to live, you can strive; there is hope for Nigerians. Prayers and patience are just what we need. As the scriptures shows, God did a lot to deliver “His own,” out of bondage and Nigeria is His. He will deliver and restore Nigeria.”

He called on all eligible Nigerians to cast their votes at the on coming polls, saying that voters should be resolute and ensure that they vote for only visionary leaders in the 2023 General Elections. He said the manipulation of the electorate must be put to an end and that citizens should be allowed to mobilise themselves for a new breed of leadership for the country.

The Primate noted: “When we look at the scriptures, there were times that God’s people were in captivity in Egypt and in Babylon. In all of these, God showed up for His people and we believe that God will show up for Nigeria. We are optimistic that God, who raises the dead will restore our voices and break our captivities. For now, we need to engage in prayers and be proactive to get out of this rot.
It will take citizens’ actions and our participation in what is happening, in praying, and in taking steps to do the right things, especially as the election campaign begins is very important,” he noted.

The Archbishop also called on the Federal Government to check the ongoing looting of the nation’s resources by unpatriotic persons, adding that looting has increased the level of poverty and inflicted pains on the people.

Ndukuba enjoined government to come up with new economic policies to address high cost of living and high rate of unemployed youths in the country.

The Primate disclosed that with fervent prayers and collective effort, the needed change in the nation’s polity will happen, and prayed for God to renew the vision and strength the nation’s leaders to enable them lead the people to greatness.

Bishops, clergy, senior government officials, political leaders, the Judiciary, and members of the diplomatic corps attended the service. There were also students who recited some of the poems they wrote for the independence celebration.