Former Nigerian military head of state, General Yakubu Gowon stormed Ado Ekiti, the capital city of Ekiti State on Sunday to lead Christian leaders and Heads of Gospel Ministries in the State to intercede for the State, the Southwest Zone and the entire Country as Nigerians prepare for another general elections in 2019 during a one day Prayer Conference.
Gowon, who is the Convener and Chairman of ‘Nigeria Prays’, said the project is a vision and a divine calling which God has entrusted into his hand and care to ensure that Nigeria is at peace and moving forward.
Nigeria Prays as revealed by General Yakubu Gowon is targeted at ensuring that Nigeria and Nigerians are basically delivered from the mentality, attitude, economic retrogression and insecurity that has for several years bedeviled the country and set back its all round progress and development.
Since the retired military leader has been convening the Nigeria Prays, he has been moving round the geopolitical zones of the  country despite his old age to encourage both the old, the young, the women and men chosen by God to raise their voices unto Him in prayer and supplications.
Nigeria Prays’ Southwest Zone which took place in Ado Ekiti has as its theme: “Let God Arise” with the bible reference taken from the book of Psalm 68: 1 and held at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Life Fountain Cathedral in Ado Ekiti.
Giving an Exhortation, the Ekiti State Government House Chaplain, Venerable Deji Alabi advised the Church of God in the country to stand up as an Army of God for Nigeria to arise out of its current condition and shine, progress and experience development at its best. He urged Nigerian citizens to devote their lives to God in serious prayers to enable them enjoy a robust economy in the Country.
He lamented that Nigeria, a country endowed by God with so many potentials and natural resources can still be lacking in many things and millions of its citizens still living in abject poverty, penury and slavery.
“Nigeria and Nigerians cannot deliver themselves until God Almighty himself steps in. Without Nigerians praying, solutions to our problems will not come. Over 120 million Nigerians are still suffering in slavery”.
The Convener and the Chairman of the Nigeria Prays, General Yakubu Gowon led the congregation to Call to Prayer, Dedication and Total Commitment to Nigeria; for the dream of becoming a nation free of slavery, hunger, selfish leaders, bad economy and to attain political stability. The General stressed the need for Nigerians to pray pointing out that prayer is the only weapon and authority to solve the nation’s problems better and faster than Generals and soldiers can do with physical weapons of war.
He said: “I have no doubt in my heart that God Almighty will honour our collective prayers and intercession for our dear nation for all her myriads of challenges to be healed. Let me equally assure you that our prayers are not in vain”, the Army General turned God’s Prophet declared.
Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the Governor of Ekiti State who was represented by his Deputy, Otunba Bisi Egbeyemi thanked the organisers of the programme and urged them not to relent in their efforts to continue to stand in the gap in prayers and intercede for Ekiti State and the country at large. He advised Nigerians, especially Christians to emulate the Army General as he prayed for his safe return back to his destination. The Deputy Governor also informed the gathering that Dr. Kayode Fayemi is away outside the State on an official assignment to attend the meeting of all Nigerian Governors with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja.
Others dignitaries and officials at the programme in Ado Ekiti included the National Secretary, Nigeria Prays who gave the Vote of Thanks; Evangelist Jones Adenmolu; the Ekiti State Coordinator of Nigeria Prays, Pastor Enok Ajibade, the Regional Head of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Goke Kuti; the Ekiti State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Joshua Orikogbe as well as members of the Ekiti State Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).
Packaged by Emmanuel Adeniran
