Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said Nigerian elite including political, religious and business leaders, must come together to make a great difference for Nigeria.
This was the central message of Yemi Osinbajo, which he delivered in separate meetings yesterday at the Presidential Villa, first with the new Methodist Archbishop of Abuja, the Most Revd. Michael Akinwale and the leadership of the Northern Reawakening Forum led by Hon Mohammed Kumalia.
According to Prof Osinbajo, “The elite (religious, political, business) in this country have the same hopes and aspirations. But it is to this elite that the future of this country has been entrusted. It is what this elite does that will make a difference in the lives of the rest of the nation.”
The VP in a statement by his media aide, Laolu Akande, said, “I think that the church has a great responsibility indeed,” adding that “Christ said that we are the salt of the earth, the light of the world.”
According to the VP, “The first point of call is how the faith itself responds to the problems of the country. How does Christianity, how does the gospel respond to the problems of society?”
“Once the religious elite accept that people can do whatever they like, enrich themselves in whatever way they wish, then it becomes the culture of society and everybody accepts it as such,” he added.
He thanked the Methodist Church for its prayers for peaceful coexistence in Nigeria noting that, “we are always very mindful of the fact that this country is upheld by prayers. There is no question at all that without prayers, we may not be where we are today. So, none of us is under the illusion that a country can survive without the prayers and supplications of the saints.”
He prayed that the Archbishop’s tenure will be of tremendous benefit to the people of Abuja and the country at large.
Earlier in his remarks, Archbishop Akinwale commended the vice president for his “solidarity which you have always shown with the Christian community. We are also here to salute your visionary leadership, Godly character in governance, your Christian virtue which you have demonstrated over the years, your integrity in enhancing and sustaining the credibility of the Christian faith, your doggedness and commitment and tenacity of purpose.
“We have come to declare peace upon this land and our support for this government. We are convinced that as a church, our main duty is to continue to pray for our country. We are here to assure you that as a church we will continue to pray for the peace of this nation.”
Other members of the delegation include the Archbishop’s wife, Mrs Mopelola Akinwale, Sir Kayode Beckley (rtd) KJW, Very Rev. Noble Azuonye, Very Rev. Dr. Friday Iroegbu, Very Rev. Dr. Engr. Vincent Asuquo amongst others.
In the meeting with the leadership of the Northern Reawakening Forum, the VP while affirming his belief “in the development of Northern Nigeria as being central to the development of Nigeria,” noted that “in the years that I have been here (in office), it is evident to me that this country has talents from everywhere.”
Continuing, he said “we have sound people in every state. People who are as brilliant as anybody anywhere in the world.” The forum is made up of professionals, politicians and business people from the North.
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