As the nation cel­ebrates 54 years of independence, the National President of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) and General Superintendent of Gospel Light Int’l Ministries, Revd. Felix Omobude, has urged government at all levels, po­litical leaders and Nigerians in general to begin to speak positive things about the country and celebrate only what unites the people.
Omobude harped on the need for Nigerians to begin to see good and positive aspects of the nation’s abundant natu­ral and human resources.
The PFN president made the call yesterday in a special ser­vice to celebrate Nigeria at 54 at the New Covenant Gospel Church, Benin in Edo State.
Speaking on the theme: “Ni­geria, the Beautiful,” Omobude noted: “Many people always speak ill of the nation and never pause to think about the goodness of God to the land. Everywhere in the world, Ni­gerians are leading. We are industrious; we have leaders in academics. Boko Haram and kidnappers do not define Nige­ria. The Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Ibibio, Itsekiris, Ibibio and oth­ers; let’s celebrate what unites us and not what separates us. This land is blessed.
“Agriculturally, we need lit­tle or no effort to make things grow. In terms of mineral re­sources, there are more that have not been discovered, than what are currently known and are exploited. Nigerians must learn to take pride in our na­tionhood. This is one land that has given us identity. We must be proud of it. Let’s join hands to build this nation. Our diver­sity must be seen as a source of strength.
“We must see the good side of our nation. There are many nations that wish they are like us. We may not have achieved all that we desire, but we will get there. We must understand that freedom comes with re­sponsibility. We should rise up and play our parts faithfully.
“I call on everyone here present and all Nigerians. We are a big family. Like in any family, when there is a quarrel, we must not delay to resolve our differences. Let’s build our unity and respect the institu­tions and offices in our land. We must not speak ill of our president.”
Omobude, who urged Ni­gerians to always teach their children to love the nation, maintained that the church must arise and set the standard.
His words: “We have what it takes to change this nation. We cannot say because we are heavenly bound, we will not be involved in politics. We must be active here on earth while we wait to go to heaven. Every adult Christian must have a voter card. Ensure you register and have your card.
“Punish bad politicians with your votes. Those dis­gracing our legislative cham­bers should be denied votes. Encourage those who truly serve the nation with your votes.”