Cleric urges Nigerians to shun violent activities,promote peace,oneness
By Bridget Ikyado
Lead Pastor, Good Tidings Bible Church,Dayo Olutayo has called on Christians to shun violent activities, promote peace and oneness, ensuring they participated actively in the 2023 general elections.
The Lead Pastor who made the appeal on Friday in Abuja at a press conference to mark the 18th anniversary and annual Maranatha Convention of the church themed ” Hosanna in the Highest “.
He said as Christians it was also right to oblige to civil responsibilities said this was necessary to ensure the emergence of credible leaders in the country.
He said Christians and all Nigerians should also be civil in conduct as campaigns for the 2023 general elections commenced.
He added that Nigerians, including politicians, must guard against violence and hate speech during the campaigns.
The cleric urged Nigerians not to succumb to fear, during the elections,but promote peace adding that God still ruled in the affairs of men.
He emphasised the need to promote peace, love and oneness for a better Nigeria
” Let political leaders adhere to the peace accord signed and after voting,let’s leave God and the process to conclude “
“I pray that people don’t go violent to discourage those that want to vote, I trust there is going to be civility and people won’t distort the process,” he added.
He advised Christians to be steadfast in prayers for the church, family and country.
The cleric who was optimistic on the success of the forthcoming polls, said that Nigerians were determined more than ever to vote candidates of their choice.
He said on their part ,the church had sensitised especially the youths against voter apathy and electoral violence,and the dangers involved in them.
” We have youth focused events and a welfare department, our youth conference just ended and many more seminars held to inform and enlighten them”.
The cleric added that the church had skill acquisition programmes designed to help youth become self reliant,as they were trained and empowered.
He further said the church also sharpened and helped youths find their callings and talents.
“The church focuses and ensures people are driven into their callings,which enhances national development and growth of the church”
He added that the church had schools and boreholes in communities as its contributions to the society.
The lead pastor also said the church’s annual convention would hold on November 1 to November 6 .
He said it would be a gathering of Christians from all denominations as, praise and worship sessions to thank God for all he has done in the 18years and more to come.
” There will be healing , deliverance and blessings,the event will have two sessions the break through sessions with leaders who would encourage us on our daily activities and the second part , the Spiritual session where intercessory prayers would be made.”
The lead pastor added that part of programmes for the celebrations would be the distributions of food and other relief materials to the vulnerable and less privileged.