Osinbajo Urges CAN, Others To Mobilize For Rebuilding Of Nigeria

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has charged the leadership of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to mobilize its members in the effort to rebuild Nigeria, stressing that religious groups are most qualified to lead the way for national rebirth.

Osinbajo, who spoke at an interdenominational service to mark 60 years anniversary of Nigeria’s independence on Sunday, also warned that leading such effort– which he likened to Nehemiah’s effort to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem– would attract fierce opposition from Nigerians.

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The Vice President said rebuilding a country in, “the face of great odds” as being done in Nigeria today required the people to renew their faith in the country and reform their conduct.

 “Just like Nehemiah faced opposition from Sanballat, that Nigerian, with the burning desire to rebuild our broken walls will also face opposition. Such opposition, which usually comes in their torrents, can only be diffused by consistent focus, watching and praying.

“This anniversary calls for a re-birth of the Nigerian Nation and no group is more qualified to lead it than our religious bodies. I, therefore charge the CAN to provide leadership to its faithfuls in making Nigeria the great Nation that it has been destined to be,” he stated.

Osinbajo, who is also a pastor, called on all Christians in the country to contribute their quota to national development, warning that the walls of Nigeria was showing cracks and must not be allowed to collapse.

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He said: “ As eloquently put forward by the preaching today, the story of Nehemiah and his role in re-building the broken down walls of Jerusalem should be a challenge to every Christian in Nigeria who is desirous of following the path of the Christian way of life..

“For us in Nigeria, Nehemiah should be taken as a metaphor for that Nigerian, who either in the country or outside, would cry to God to give him the wherewithal to use the abundant opportunities in the country to address our challenges of nation building.

“Fortunately for us in the Nigeria, our walls are not yet broken but have cracks that could lead to a break if not promptly addressed.

“Nehemiah first started with fervent prayers, seeking the face of God and pleaded with his King in Persia to allow him go to Jerusalem to help his people rebuild the broken walls of Jerusalem.”

Osinbajo expressed his appreciation to CAN for its “consistency in supporting the modest efforts of government and especially the role they are playing in the peace process of the country. “

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He said the government would look forward to more of such partnerships that are needed for the development of the country.

He expressed optimism that the 60th independence anniversary, “would surely lay a good foundation for the Nigeria of our dreams.”

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