By Micheal Ofulue, Osogbo

..urges youths to Shun ‘Japa’ Syndrome

Nigerians have been urged to combine work with prayer, as prayer alone cannot bring about change without concerted efforts.

Apostle Lawrence Bamilaw made this statement while addressing journalists at a press conference to unveil this year’s edition of the African 24-hour Marathon Praise, set to take place next Sunday in Osogbo, the state capital.

The man of God, who remains optimistic about the country’s future, emphasised that Nigeria can improve if everyone works together for its progress, despite the current economic and political challenges.

He called on youths who habitually travel abroad in search of greener pastures to stop, encouraging them to believe that God can turn things around for the better if prayer is coupled with hard work.

“Our youths must shun the ‘jappa’ syndrome and believe in themselves and the country as a whole,” he said.

“God cannot do everything for humans. We must all work and pray for things to improve. We cannot rely solely on prayers when there is no effort.”

Apostle Bamilaw further urged Nigerian youths to desist from engaging in social vices detrimental to their future, such as internet fraud (‘Yahoo Yahoo’) and the get-rich-quick mentality, stressing that these are not the right paths for a fulfilling life.

The cleric also asserted that the church is not the problem facing Nigeria, but rather, it has always been a solution to the nation’s challenges through spiritual programmes and fruitful engagement with national leaders.

“People who claim the church is the problem are entirely mistaken,” he said. “Churches have consistently provided solutions to the nation’s issues through various spiritual initiatives and productive interaction with the country’s leaders.”

The marathon programme, scheduled for Sunday, December 22, at Union Baptist Church, Odiolowo, in Osogbo, will feature numerous spiritual leaders who have been invited to minister. Apostle Bamilaw highlighted the testimonies of miracles from previous editions of the programme, encouraging the people of Osogbo and journalists to attend and experience the blessings.

In his remarks, the cleric commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for his impressive infrastructural strides and urged citizens to continue praying for their leaders, so that God may guide them to improve the nation’s welfare.

He also shared a recent development from Russia, where a new cancer drug was discovered, which is set to be made available to the public next year.

“God has always used humans to bring about innovation and change,” he said. “This is why it is important for us all to continue praying for our leaders, for the betterment of our nation. Nigeria must be great again.”