THOUSANDS of Nigerians, Sunday, defied early morning torrential rains in Lagos to attend two programmes of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, RCCG, where the General Overseer, Pastor Enoch Adeboye revisited last year’s Dana Air plane crash in Lagos, which claimed 153 lives, praying against similar occurrences in the country.
Similarly, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola hailed the church for its continuing commitment to social reformation programmes and for leading quietly by example, praying that God will continue to reward the church exceedingly as it toils ceaselessly to change the society.
Speaking at a special prayer session for chief executive officers of organisations at the church’s national headquarters in Ebute-Metta, Lagos, Pastor Adeboye urged Nigerians to pray fervently that the country should not experience such air mishaps again.
Commiserating with victims of the DANA Air crash, the General Overseer urged Nigerians to offer prayers to God to comfort, guide and support the affected families.
In his words: “Today make it a year that the DANA Air plane crashed in Lagos. Lives were lost during the incidence. Let us pray that there will not be another crash in Nigeria; that Nigeria should not experience such a thing again. It is only the Almighty God that can comfort the affected families. I pray that God should support and comfort those who lost their loved ones during the plane crash”.
In his message to the various CEOs in attendance, titled: “Unusual worship gives unusual breakthrough” Adeboye advised them to imbibe righteousness, cultivate the habit of appreciating God in all circumstances, explaining that praising God always lead to divine breakthrough.
Enumerating some keys that can open divine doors and make room for breakthrough for the participants, Pastor Adeboye urged them to seek God’s divine wisdom, seek knowledge and a hunger to serve God with all their beings.
At the second service at the rain-soaked main bowl of the Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos, venue of the sixth EXCEL Convention of the church’s Apapa Family, Pastor Adeboye urged believers in the country to embrace change, declaring that a time would come when nobody will become anything without believers’ endorsement.
Speaking on a topic titled “Be the change”, Adeboye urged Christians to, at least, preach the gospel to one person a day, adding “every Christian is a branch of Christ and a branch looks exactly like the tree. If Christ is the Light of the world, therefore every Christian is a light of the world and must show forth that light at any time.”
He commended the leadership of the Apapa Family which has been touching lives in different segments of the nation’s life, and especially for being the first church to float a football club that has graduated to the national league.
In his goodwill message to the leadership of the Apapa Family of the church, Fashola said: “One of the reasons why the EXCEL programme excites and inspires me year on year, is its focus on the less fortunate in our society. No society is immune from them and yet society often ignores their plights. That is why EXCEL is so meaningful.”
Continuing, he thanked the church for reminding us through EXCEL, of the true role of the Church and other similar organisations in society, as partners in progress and change agents.
“We desire a Lagos that is orderly, clean, safe and secure but do we abide by the simple laws, rules and regulations that will make it so? Do we break the traffic laws when there are no traffic wardens in sight or throw litter out of our car windows simply because no one is watching us? It is the little things we do that bring about great change”".
When we play our part, our society, our country and ultimately, our own lives are better off for it,” he stated.
He noted that ‘Be a change’ which is the theme of this year’s EXCEL programme is a silent reminder that our individual, seemingly inconsequential actions can produce the same resounding effect as our collective efforts, adding that it is a “reminder that we must take the lead and be the change we desire in our society.”
Some of the dignitaries at the event were, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, chairman of the Board of Directors of Fidson Healthcare Plc, Mr. Felix Ohiwerei, founder/director Elizade Motors, Chief Michael Ade Ojo, chairman/CEO of Shebah Oil Services Ltd, Mr. Joseph Adenuga, CEO of Quincy Herbal Slimmers Health, Dr. Quincy Ayodele, member of church’s Board of Trustees, Prof. Fola Aboaba, Elder Segun Olankunrin amongst others.
From Vanguard Newspaper
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