Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), at the weekend, said
the consequences of not putting Nigerian youths on the path of rectitude
would be too hard to bear for the country, stressing that he foresees
danger ahead.
Consequently, he called on leaders, parents and guardians to rise up to various issues of moral decadence in the country.
Gowon, who was speaking at the 25th
Anniversary of the Scripture Union (NIG), Abuja Area, and the
presentation of a Book; ‘Acts Of The Pilgrims’, noted that the future of
the country appears gloomy if “we do not rise up” to the issues.
His words: “May I challenge every
participant and invited guest here that today’s celebration calls us
into deep reflection of our lost Godly values and virtues, particularly,
as christian men and women, and seek to recover them.
“This occasion must therefore compel us
to reflect deeply on the state of the nation, particularly the issues
relating to moral decadence, sexual perversion, restiveness, precarious
security challenges and corruption.
“We must rise up to deal with various
issues of moral burdens in our educational institutions and labour to
arrest the tide through massive prayer campaign and action.
“If we do not arise to bring our youths
into the path of rectitude, then their future will appear gloomy, and,
therefore, we cannot build a virile nation of trust, integrity and good
governance.”
While extolling the contributions of
the SU to the course of humanity, Gowon said: “I can testify that SU as
is popularly called has stood the test of time for several decades, and
in particular Nigeria, in the pursuit of rugged evangelism and christian
perfection.
“I am indeed proud to identify with the
work of the Scripture Union as it has proved to be a strong
evangelistic force on our University campuses, across various
institutions and has actively provided the spiritual foundation and
needs of our Nigerian Christian youths with significant proofs.
“Many of you seated here today can
testify to the immense impact and influence of the SU upon your lives in
your respective campuses and institutions as young christian students.
“I have no doubt that the purposeful
and strategic influence of Scripture Union will continue to impact the
church and our nation.”
Speaking on the Book: ‘Acts of the Pilgrims’ to mark the Jubilee
Anniversary, Gowon described the book as an appetizer that will make the
people to seek for more through God.
According to him, “this will deeply and
further inspire us to remain steadfast and resolute in our walk with
God on the ancient path with Him.”
The Vice President, Prof. Yemi
Osinbajo, who was represented at the occasion by Pastor Steve Oyatayo
from the Aso Villa Chapel said the government associated with the Union
in view of its achievements in the country.
In his remarks, the former Secretary to
the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, quoting from the
Book of Daniel 11: 32, said: ” the people that do know their God shall
be strong, and do exploits.”
He admonished Nigerians to always stand by the truth, honesty and uprightness in all their dealings to promote the country.
Also, the Presidential Adviser on
Media, Mr Femi Adeshina, while contributing, said the Scripture Union
(SU) over several decades in the country had continued to preserve the
originality of the word of God.
He urged other faith-based
organisations to emulate the body by truly propagating the gospel of
Jesus Christ to have a peaceful nation.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of
the SU Abuja Area, Mr Emeka Orji, said that God had been faithful to
members since the launching of the SU in the FCT, in spite of daunting
challenges.
According to him, “it has indeed been
an awesome journey that could only have been conceived, developed,
guided and established by the Lord God Almighty. It is a journey that
has the unmistakable imprints of God,”.
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