President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians to always speak positively about the country in spite of the current economic recession, saying it will end soon.
Buhari made the call at the 7th National Prayer Breakfast organised by National Assembly with the theme: “A tree and its fruits: is yours a blessing or a curse to Nigeria,” on Thursday in Abuja.
The president was represented at the occasion by the Secretary to Government of the Federation, Mr Babachir Lawal.
Buhari assured Nigerians that the recession would end very soon as the government is doing all within its power to restore the economy of the country.
“As Christians and political leaders, we must strive to be the light of the world by speaking positively concerning the state of the nation. These hard times we are in, require leaders who are aware of the situation to stand in the gap to see how to turn the situation around.”
According to him, Christian leaders have forgotten to look at the positive side of issues and the opportunity it presents for the good of all.
“I have total faith that Nigeria will emerge from this crisis strong, united and prosperous, this will come to fruition in the lifetime of this government. Also as Christians and leaders we should all thank God for the opportunity to be key player in this time of economic meltdown,” Lawal admonished.
Rev. Abu Bako, in his keynote address, charged leaders to rise up and take responsibility of making Nigeria a blessed nation.
He said that Nigeria was founded upon water so that she can bear fruits and flourish, adding “we are all instruments of transformation and our role is to make Nigeria great.
Bako urged political and religious leaders to behave like persons who would not steal from the people’s wealth, but have the interest of the people at heart.
“Let us behave as God-fearing persons, who have the interest of its citizen and welfare at heart and not behave as politicians.”
“We must be able to take Nigeria to a place of her destiny by praying for clarity of vision for our leaders who are leading us,” Bako stressed.
He urged Nigerians to be instruments of transformation and be carriers of blessing wherever they go by speaking positively.
“When the nation seeks God’s face then the Lord will heal our land,” he added.
According to him, as a nation we have a responsibility to build Nigeria and not to tear it down by our action, inaction and the words of our mouth.
The atmosphere was eventful with inspirational songs from popular gospel artist Samsong, Jamaica and Lester Lewis who sang the national anthem with a reggae tune.