Former President Goodluck Jonathan has lauded the presiding bishop of Dominion Chapel International Church, Archbishop John Praise Daniel, for his resilience and commitment during his tenure, describing the cleric’s steadfast support as a source of encouragement.
Dr Jonathan stated this during a worship and thanksgiving service held in Abuja on Sunday to mark the cleric’s 65th birthday.
The former president who was represented by the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, John-Kennedy Opara, highlighted the archbishop’s rise in ministry as a testament to hard work, dedication, and fear of God.
Quoting Proverbs 14:23, he said, “The path of the just shines brighter and brighter unto that perfect day,” Jonathan acknowledged of the celebrant, “You have touched so many lives, you have inspired so many. Your resilience and commitment to me while I was in service really encouraged me.”
Also, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, prayed for a “second chance” for Nigeria and its leadership, urging the congregation to continue praying for President Bola Tinubu and the nation.
Akume who was represented at the occasion by the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Engineer Joseph Utsev said, “God will give our president a second chance,” he said, expressing hope for divine guidance.
Earlier, former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, commended President Tinubu’s courage in sustaining the removal of fuel subsidies.
Acknowledging the economic hardships faced by Nigerians, Dogara urged citizens to give Tinubu time to implement his vision before judging his performance ahead of the 2027 elections.
“This is a time for governance. Let’s give this man an opportunity to perform again for some time, and then we can make our judgments,” he said.
In his keynote address, Pastor John Dara, a preacher and politician, described Tinubu’s administration as reformist, arguing that the president’s visionary and courageous leadership required more than four years to yield sustainable results.
He called on Nigerians to unite and support Tinubu for a “landslide election victory” in 2027.
In a chat with journalists on the sidelines of thanksgiving, the celebrant expressed gratitude for God’s preservation over his 65 years, affirming his commitment to continue serving.
“I feel God is giving me energy to do more for Him, for the Kingdom, and for my generation,” he said.
He added that serving God remains his way of life. Reflecting on his 45 years in ministry.
The cleric further advised young ministers to be patient, assuring them that “where God has destined for you to get to, you will get to.”
He recounted surviving numerous life-threatening incidents, attributing his survival to divine purpose.
“God will only permit me to die if my purpose is done,” he said, referencing the biblical account of David, who served his generation before his death.
