Three former heads of states/presidents and three former number twos joined Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN, on Sunday to show gratitude to God, offering thanksgiving for his goodness over Nigeria.
Prayers were also offered by the leaders and the Aso Villa Chapel congregation for the continued success of President Muhammadu Buhari, and the progress of the entire nation.
The leaders who converged at the Aso Villa Chapel for the Annual Thanksgiving Service were former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, former Head of the Interim Government Ernest Shonekan, former Vice President Alex Ekwueme, and former Chiefs of General Staff Ebitu Ukiwe and Oladipo Diya.
Wife of the Vice President, Dolapo Osinbajo and Margaret Shonekan were also in attendance at the service.
Speaking during the service as
he welcomed the leaders, Osinbajo noted that the nation is grateful to
God, adding that the Lord has upheld Nigeria even this year which is
rounding up.
Later while speaking with
reporters at the end of the service, the Vice President added that “the
former presidents and vice presidents are here for the thanksgiving
service, they’ve been invited specially to come.
“We were also expecting President Jonathan
but unfortunately he had to cancel at the last moment. So we are all
extremely excited that we are able to bring everyone together to thank
God for our nation and to give him thanks for the great future ahead of
us.
“We are thanking God, it is a wonderful occasion to thank God and that is what we have done here today.”
Earlier at the service, Gowon prayed over the thanksgiving offering at the service.
Gowon urged all Nigerians to
support the present administration’s efforts towards revamping the
economy and restoring Nigeria’s dignity in the comity of nations.
He also offered special
prayers for the leadership of the nation to overcome the numerous
challenges and return Nigeria to the path of prosperity, peace and
progress.
In his sermon the chaplain of the Aso Villa Chapel, Pastor Sheyi Malomo
emphasized the importance of thanksgiving in every human endeavor.
Citing the scriptures, the clergyman said God was expectant of gratitude
for his good deeds to man.
According to him, “it is the
will of God that whatever situation you are in, you should always give
thanks to God because he expects thanksgiving every time.”
The high-point of the occasion
was during the thanksgiving proper when the former leaders joined the
Vice President and his wife to dance forward towards the altar in praise
and adoration of God. Every one in the congregation also followed suit
in thanksgiving and prayers.
A number of cabinet ministers, several top government functionaries and Christian leaders were also in attendance.
After the service, the leaders joined the Vice President at his residence for breakfast.
See Photos below:
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