•Gov says Nigeria’s challenges’ll soon become a thing of the past
By Sade Adewale
Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, and former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), have called on Nigerians to sustain prayers for the peace, stability and prosperity of the country, expressing optimism that its security and economic challenges will soon become a thing of the past.
Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, spoke at the South-West Zonal Prayer Rally of Nigeria Prays held at St David Cathedral, Ijomu, Akure, where Christian leaders and delegates from across the region gathered to pray for the nation.
The governor commended Gowon, the Convener of Nigeria Prays, for his consistency and dedication to the prayer movement, noting that the former military leader had remained committed to seeking divine intervention for Nigeria despite his advanced age.
Aiyedatiwa described Gowon as a man who had made himself available for God’s use, saying his commitment demonstrated the importance of prayer in the life of the nation.
He said Nigeria’s identity as a praying nation should not be separated from its national life, stressing that the country had continued to witness God’s intervention despite the challenges confronting it.
“There are challenges all over the place, but I know that this time, we will pass and we will pass in Jesus’ name. My prayer is that when next we gather together like this next year, it shall be a testimony gathering.
“All the challenges of security and the economy will have become a thing of the past. It shall be so in Jesus’ name,” he said.
The governor, in a message delivered on his behalf, commended Gowon for sustaining Nigeria Prays for more than three decades and mobilising Christians across the country to seek God’s intervention for national unity, stability and peaceful coexistence.
He said the challenges facing Nigeria were real but not insurmountable, stressing that they were not greater than the power of God.
Aiyedatiwa quoted 2 Chronicles 7:14, which calls on God’s people to humble themselves, pray, seek His face and turn from their wicked ways, noting that prayer remained an important tool for national transformation and leadership renewal.
He also called for prayers for wisdom for the nation’s leaders, security across the country, economic prosperity, opportunities for young people, ethical leadership and a peaceful 2027 general election.
Aiyedatiwa urged leaders and citizens in the South-West to preserve the region’s reputation for education, innovation, enterprise, excellence and peaceful coexistence, while promoting unity and moral renewal.
He further reaffirmed his administration’s support for President Bola Tinubu and the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and economic reforms, expressing optimism that the reforms would continue to yield positive results.
The governor prayed for continued wisdom for the President in steering the affairs of the country and called on Nigerians to remain united irrespective of ethnic or religious differences.
Also speaking, Gowon called on Nigerians to intensify and sustain prayers for the country, expressing confidence that Nigeria would overcome its challenges and emerge stronger.
Gowon made the call in a message delivered at the event with the theme, “The Siege is Over,” drawn from 2 Kings 2:21–22.
He welcomed pastors, ministers, bishops, intercessors and faithful from different Christian denominations across the South-West, noting that Ondo State was hosting the rally on behalf of Ekiti, Lagos, Ogun, Osun, Oyo and Ondo states.
The former Head of State appreciated the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ondo State chapter, as well as Christian leaders across Akure, Ondo State and the South-West for supporting the collective effort to intercede for the nation.
Gowon also commended Aiyedatiwa and his administration for their support and generosity in ensuring the successful hosting of the prayer rally.
He prayed for divine wisdom and guidance for the governor to enable him to continue providing quality leadership to the people of Ondo State and Nigeria.
According to Gowon, the prayers offered for the nation would not be in vain, stressing that prayer remained a powerful instrument for addressing the challenges confronting the country.
He said, “Prayer can solve problems better and faster than generals and soldiers can do with physical weapons of war.”
Gowon urged Nigerians not to be discouraged by the difficulties facing the country but to remain steadfast in faith and continue praying for divine intervention.
“As the tempo heightens in the myriad of challenges to our faith and collective destiny as a nation, the call is for increased and sustained prayers from all Nigerians,” he said.
“We shall not be discouraged or give in to despair. We are at the threshold of breakthrough in the dawn of destiny. Victory is certain. Nigeria shall arise and shine!”
In his exhortation, the immediate past Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) in Ondo State, Bishop Joshua Opayinka, described siege as a force that causes stagnation, frustration, lack of freedom and hardship in the lives of individuals, communities and nations.
Opayinka urged Nigerians, particularly the Church, to return to God and intensify prayers for divine intervention, stressing that King Hezekiah and Prophet Isaiah secured victory through prayer.
Drawing lessons from the biblical account of King Sennacherib’s siege of Jerusalem in 2 Chronicles 32, he said prayer remained a powerful weapon for overcoming forces working against the nation.
The Bishop expressed confidence that God would intervene in Nigeria’s affairs, frustrate forces working against the nation and restore peace, progress and prosperity.
He prayed for divine intervention, saying Nigeria and Ondo State would be delivered from every force of wickedness and besiegement.
The cleric further urged Nigerians not to be afraid but to trust in God, declaring that the nation would witness a new dawn and experience the return of joy, peace and stability.
He therefore declared that every form of siege against Nigeria, its economy, education, health sector and political class would come to an end.