It was a moment of praise, worship, song renditions and thanksgiving at the 2023 annual Christmas Carol service organized by Christian Legislators Fellowship International, Oyo State House of Assembly.
The Christian lawmakers, both former and serving converged at the Parliament Chapel, Secretariat on Wednesday to appreciate God for His mercy in the last one year.
The event featured beautiful renditions from the chapel choir, who were dressed in a colourful Ankara fabric with a touch of green and red.
In a short sermon on the theme of the 2023 Carol service, ‘Peace Be Still’, the General Overseer, Christ Centered Prayer City, Iragbiji, Osun State, Prophet Julius Ayotunde, said for Nigeria to enjoy peace, the country must prioritize tolerance and avoid religious exclusivity.
Prophet Ayotunde, who also advocated religious tolerance, urging Nigerians to stop professing negative word against the country.
He described Nigeria as the Jerusalem for her citizens.
He Expressed confidence that Nigeria will soon experience peace and attain it’s enviable height where banditry, kidnapping will be a thing of the past.
The cleric, who took his bible text from Mark 4:39, said irrespective of the unpleasant situation in Nigeria, God is capable of doing the impossible.
Pastor Ayotunde admonished Nigerians to pray for peace, progress and stability as we approach 2024 in order to make the people live in comfort in accordance with the plan of God for humans.
According to him, “it was high time Nigerians work out the peace of the country among one another in order to allow peace to reign supreme in the country.
“The country is going through a difficult time as a result of storms shaking the nation. As Nigerians, it is time we tolerate one another and put faith into action as demonstrated by Jesus Christ in Mark Chapter 4 verse 39.
“The nation is going through problems like kidnapping, banditory, economy hardship and others, hence, Nigerians need to pray and work out the peace of the nation.”
Prophet Ayotunde, while praying for the Peace of Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole, prophesized that peace will return and reign supreme in the country come 2024.
Also soeaking, the President of the chapel, Honourable Oluwafemi Oluwafowokanmi, said what informed the theme of the programme was the need to admonish the people on peace of the country.
“What informed the theme of the programme was the need to address the many problems facing the nation. I believe if Nigerians pray hard and work out peace among one another, the country will experience total peace in 2024.”
In his remarks, chairman, planning committee, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola urged the people of the state to embrace peace in order to overcome the troubles and socio economic challenges confronting the state and country.