Reverend Esther Ajayi sues for unity in Nigeria as LOC marks 16th anniversary

By Taiwo Okanlawon

Founder of Love of Christ (LOC) Church, Lagos, Reverend Mother Esther Abimbola Ajayi, has sued for unity in the country, and wisdom for Nigerian leaders in order to overcome the current trying political and socio-economic times.

She made the call on Thursday in Lagos while addressing journalists ahead of the church’s 16th anniversary taking place both in Nigeria on September 8, and London on September 10.

Mama Ajayi as she’s fondly called emphasised the need for Nigerians to embrace God and continue praying with thanksgiving and hoping for solution to the country’s challenges.

She urged the leaders to always seek divine wisdom to lead the country right, while also calling for patience and steadfastness from everyone.

According to her, if the United States could overcome her teething challenges, including endemic corruption, Nigeria, through love and unity, and divine intervention, will surmount hers.

She further admonished Nigerians to stop making negative pronouncements about the country, saying that there is power in the tongue. Rather, they should always speak positively and pray about the country’s future.

Similarly, she called for inter-faith harmony, stating that Christians and Muslims, and others used to inter-relate amicably in every aspect of life in the past. Therefore, religion should not be a hindrance to the nation’s progress.

For the youth, she noted that it is a time of renaissance, as a new awakening is sweeping through them. She urged them to remain focused, endeavour to get empowered, especially through formal education, for a brighter future.

Reverend Esther Ajayi also warned against the habit of going into marriage unprepared, stating that marriage is not like strolling into and out of the supermarket, but “a lifetime thing”. To get it right, therefore, they need to pray and choose right.
For the celebration tagged, “Breaking Limits”, she explained that God has been faithful this 16 years of fruitful evangelism and deserves to be praised.

Activities lined up for the celebration begin on August 26th with football by the youth at the Pinnock Estate Leisure Centre.

They continue on 27th with praise and worship by gospel artists and youth singers, with the youth leading the sections, including preaching.

It continues on September 3rd with thanksgiving service at the church branch in London, and finally in Nigeria on September 8 with open heavens (praise and worship), and September 10 grand finale, to be preached by the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh.

Meanwhile, she disclosed that the church will passionately continue its philanthropy, with no fewer than 128 students and 56 undergraduates in different institutions enjoying the church’s scholarship.

Dignitaries who have already confirmed attendance at the celebration are Nigeria’s former president, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Tunji Ishola, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and Sen. Gbenga Daniel, among others.