By Ankeli Emmanuel, Sokoto
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Sokoto State Chapter Monday holds praise and prayer for peace in the state and country at large.
The interdenominational prayer, with the theme,” Jesus Is Alive’ held at the Deeper Life Bible Church, Sokoto brought together highly respected clerics and thousands of worshipers who assembled to intercede for God’s intervention in the multiple challenges bedeviling Nigeria.
Addressing the gathering, Sokoto State CAN chairman, Revd. Dr. Kayode James Moses said, “We have come together on this special occasion of Easter to lift our voices in praise and to intercede in prayer for peace in our land”.
Kayode who stressed that they are particularly because Easter confirmed that neither death nor the grave could defeat Jesus as He triumphantly rose from the death on the third day, added that it the incident was a declaration of victory over sin, death, and the powers of darkness.
“Today, as we celebrate this resurrection power, we declare that the same Jesus who conquered the grave is still alive and at work in Sokoto State, in Northern Nigeria, and across our nation. He is our hope, our strength, and our peace in the midst of every storm.”
While noting that despite the challenges faced by Christians in Nigeria, they are still together as one family —Catholics, Protestants, Pentecostals, Orthodox, and different denominations, Revd. Kayode noted that they are united under the banner of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) as a testimony to their resilience and unwavering faith.
‘In a region where being a Christian sometimes comes at a cost, you have chosen to stand and declare: “Jesus is Alive!” This gathering is not just an event; it is a declaration of faith, a fellowship of believers, and a corporate cry to heaven for the peace of Sokoto and Nigeria”.
Talking on worsening security situation of Nigeria, Rev’d. Kayode said, “We cannot gather today without acknowledging the cloud of insecurity that hangs over our state and many parts of the North. Banditry, kidnapping, and violent attacks have brought fear, pain, and loss to many families, both Christian and Muslim. Lives have been cut short. Communities have been displaced. Farmers can no longer remain in their land at peace.
“Parents live in anxiety over the safety of their children. Our hearts bleed for the widows, orphans, and all who have suffered in this season of violence.Yet, even in this darkness, we remember that Jesus is Alive! He is the Prince of Peace. He calmed the storm on the Sea of Galilee, and He can bring peace to our troubled land.
‘We pray today for divine intervention. We call on the government at all levels, security agencies, and all stakeholders to fulfill their responsibilities with greater commitment, wisdom, and action”.
Also speaking, the chairman, Planning Committee of the CAN Easter Prayer for Peace, Pastor Dr. Ben Musa, said, he is particularly happy that the event was a huge success.
Pastor Ben, who is also the Chairman of the Sokoto Pentecostal fellowship of Nigeria, and the regional Secretary of the PFN in the North West, said Nigeria’s challenge deserves prayers and action from those saddled with the responsibility of protecting lives and properties of the people.
Collaborating, Professor John Babatunde Olabode appealed to Nigerians to also pray for all leaders, just as he urged leaders to do justice to all irrespective of religion, region and creed.
During the prayer sessions, Professor Umar Kiro Kalgo led prayer in Fulfude and Hausa languages while Senior Apostle Leo Nwasunwun and others prayed in English language.
