President Goodluck Jonathan has appealed to all Nigerians to persevere in standing by Nigeria, under whatever circumstances they may find themselves.
The president made the call on Sunday while speaking at the “A Day with Jesus for Nigeria in Israel” event at the Israel International Conference Centre, Jerusalem.
He described the program as giving him great satisfaction because Nigerians have made it yet another strong programme, built into the Christian Pilgrimage tradition to help enhance the essence of the pilgrimage.
Jonathan also described the event as a tradition of periodic detachment from the cares and worries of everyday life, used for seeking, through prayers, the face of Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, concerning Nigeria.
The president expressed confidence that Nigeria will soon overcome all the perils and challenges of the country as a whole.
He said his administration is compelled, to invest in the nation’s future, by not only transforming every sector thereing, but making deliberate efforts to strengthen the ligaments of the nation’s unity, by fortifying it through prayers.
“Personally, I continue to draw strength from your prayers, and the experience of God’s Presence which we encountered when we came here together, for the first time, last year. Today, I am deeply encouraged, that the spirit of our togetherness, and the efficacy of our supplications, has continued to strengthen,” he said.
“These experiences reinforced my belief that the things that bind us together as a nation are stronger than any that may tear us apart. We came together and fought the Ebola epidemic, cooperating with the guidelines of the medical professionals on hygiene routine, sensitivity to early warnings and symptoms of the disease. Together, we worked as a nation, united in our common resolve to defeat a threat and we succeeded!
“I am happy to report that the World Health Organisation (WHO) now recognizes Nigeria as Ebola free. But I am even happier to say that, by the grace of God, Nigeria remains a success story and a shining example to the world on the fight against the Ebola Virus Disease.”
He added that the victory over Ebola is not only re-assuring, but stands in firm confirmation of Nigeria’s united might as a people, against any confrontation, with the help of God.
“With the combination of prayers, unity and cooperation, we have overcome and we shall continue to overcome,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to pray in the confidence that the light of God is upon Nigeria. He also urged other pilgrims to commit the country into God’s care by praying without ceasing, and believing God to answer prayers and entreaties.
