Hardship: Christians, Muslims, traditionalists shun differences, converge to offer prayers in Ilorin

In a historic display of unity, leaders and faithful from Christian, Muslim and Isese communities converge at the Mini Bowl of the Kwara State Stadium Complex Ilorin, for an inter-religious intercession.

The gathering which aimed at seeking divine relief from Nigeria’s prevailing economic hardship, drew hundreds of attendees from various denominations and religions.

The Prime News reports that the religion bodies, in their numbers, engaged in meaningful dialogue to foster mutual understanding and collectively offered prayers to the supreme being for the betterment of Nigeria.

The Kwara State Governor, Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, expressed gratitude to the organizers of the prayer meeting, stating that regular events of this nature would be beneficial and should be encouraged.

The Governor who was represented by the SA Religion (Christian), Rev. Timothy Oluwagbemiga Akanbi, emphasized that Nigeria faces numerous challenges, including insecurity and governance issues, requiring collective prayers for divine intervention and guidance.

The convener of the event, Pastor Sam Aweda, who doubles as President and Senior Pastor of Jesus for the World Revival Mission, emphasized the need for Nigeria’s government to draw inspiration from country like Saudi Arabia to enhance its systems.

Pastor Aweda, a medical physicist by training, nostalgically reflects on Nigeria’s past prosperity in his stirring speech, saying, in the past, government created job opportunities, offered scholarships and also provided food assistance to alleviating poverty.

He lamented that all these lofty initiatives and offers that brought widespread joy and prosperity to the nation are no more as young brains now travel abroad for greener pasture.

He said Bible clearly states that ‘the poor will always be with you’ (Matthew 26:11, Mark 14:7), stressing that instead of solely emphasizing prosperity, pastors should encourage the wealthy to show compassion and generosity to those in need.”

In a related development, the Obarisa of Kwara State, Obalowu Omotayo Jagun, urged public officers to desist from being greedy and stop embezzling the fund meant to develop the society.

He said it’s important everyone emulate habit of doing good, emphasizing that it’s only a baby who do not know what is wrong.

In his remarks, Chairman of Church Leaders and Ministers Fellowship of Nigeria, Pastor Abel Ayedogbon stressed that the country is blessed with both natural and human resources urging those in power to utilize them effectively for national development.

“Nigeria has been blessed by God with both material and human resources, it’s our responsibility to harness these virtues so that we can get developed like other nations.” Pastor Ayedogbon said.

Prophetess Bosede Adimabua, the President of Adimabua Foundation, at the prayer meeting, urged government to look for urgent ways of addressing unemployment and also train girl child in order to have a better country.

Prophetess Adimabua stated that her foundation has recorded giant stride in the area of empowerment for the vulnerable and less privileged across the length and breadth of the state urging well meaning individuals to follow suit.

She lamented how girl child are being lured and enticed unreasonably into bad habits that eventually cut short their lives stressing that females should be given special care in the society.

“This is a good prayer meeting and this is how we’ve been holding it every year to seek God’s face over our land. Our health, education even governance need revivals.” she said.