The State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Benue State Command, Commandant of Corps Bitrus Alice Larai, on Sunday joined the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev Fr Dr Hyacinth Iormem Alia, members of the State Executive and Security Council, the clergy and other worshippers to celebrate, pray and thank God Almighty for Nigeria at 66. The 66th Independence Interdenominational Church Service was organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria, Benue State Chapter, in conjunction with the Benue State Government at the Faith Hill Prophetic Assembly in Makurdi.
The service afforded worshippers the opportunity to reflect on the nation’s journey of resilience, determination for nationhood and the celebration of Nigeria’s Independence. In his call to worship, Bishop Timothy Kume, host and presiding Bishop of the Faith Hill Prophetic Assembly, took his reading from Isaiah 66:12-16, encouraging Nigerians that God will extend His peace to Nigeria and comfort her on all sides. Rev Akpen Leva, in his sermon drawn from Proverbs 18:21, admonished Nigerians to cultivate the mentality of patriotism, love for country and respect for leaders.
He charged worshippers that as a nation, Nigeria has gone through several challenges but has emerged from the trenches of despair, conflict and crises to a nation indivisible.
Giving an account of his stewardship and the efforts of his government, the Executive Governor, represented by the Deputy Governor, Barr Dr Sam Odeh, enumerated critical areas of intervention that have rewritten governance and placed the state on the trajectory of development and growth. His Excellency charged Benue people to desist from disparaging their leaders and rather cultivate the spirit of patriotism.
Alongside the Governor’s representative were the Speaker of the Benue State House of Assembly, the State Chief Judge, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Commissioners, Special Advisers, the State Commandant of the NSCDC, the State Commissioner of Police, the Sector Commander of the FRSC and others.
Thanksgiving and prayers were offered for Nigeria, the forthcoming general elections, and for the peace, security and prosperity of Benue State.
