Speaking at the annual special thanksgiving service of the State Government for the new year held at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, the Governor said it was evidently clear that God had been faithful to the State in making the modest successes recorded possible.
“God has been very faithful
to us in Lagos and that is why we dedicate every first Sunday of the year to
give Him thanks and praise. The modest achievements and progress our State has
recorded would not have been possible without His grace, guidance and divine
favour.
“The occasion of this
Annual Thanksgiving Service is very symbolic to us in Lagos as it not only
serves as a yearly tradition but it provides us a platform to come together as
a people and as a State to give praise to the Almighty.
“When we count the numerous
blessings and favours our State has enjoyed, protection from natural disasters,
security of lives and property of Lagosians, the continuous growth and
development of our State and the global recognition of Lagos as a major capital
in the world, we would see that truly, our God has been faithful and benevolent
to us beyond our expectations,” Governor Ambode said.
Describing the theme of the
service – “Enter His Gates with
Thanksgiving,” taken from Psalms 100:4, as apt, the Governor said it was for
people to appreciate God for His blessings, hence the need for the service.
According to him, “The
place of thanksgiving is paramount, as it is through thanksgiving that the
presence of God is brought down. Through this yearly tradition of the State
Thanksgiving Service, we have had the priviledge of coming together to
appreciate God and also commit the activities of the New Year unto His hands
and in return, He has bestowed upon us peace and divine intervention especially
at difficult times.”
Besides, Governor Ambode
said as the nation prepares for crucial elections in 2019, it was important for Nigerians to to pray for peaceful elections to facilitate
continuity of development and good governance.
“As we raise our voices in
songs of praise, adoration and supplications, I urge us all to pray for our
State and our Country especially in this special and crucial year of general
elections. Let us seek the face of God to grant us peaceful elections devoid of
violence, so that Lagos, and indeed Nigeria, will continue to excel and
experience continuity of development and good governance,” he said.
The Governor also used the
service to appreciate and all Clergymen in the State for always keeping faith
with the annual thanksgiving service and for their ceaseless prayers and wise
counsels for the continued progress of the State.
In his sermon, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian
Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye emphasised the need for people to
continually appreciate God, saying doing such always help to complete prayers.
Citing Acts 16: 25-26,
Adeboye who was represented by his Special Assistant, Pastor Idowu Iluyomade
said thanksgiving also has the ability to move God to action, urging the people
to imbibe the act of giving thanks in all situations.
Aside songs ministrations
from various choirs, prayers were also offered for the first family, the
Executive, Judiciary, Legislature, Civil Service, Local Governments and
security operatives, and also for the success of the forthcoming general
elections.
Among dignitaries who
attended the service include Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and his
wife, Dolapo; former Lagos State Governors – Brigd Gen. Mobolaji Johnson Rtd,
Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Rr. Admiral Ndubuisi Kanu Rtd; Governorship Candidate of
All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and leading
Christian clerics in the State.
No comments:
Post a Comment