11th November, 2011
The Lagos State Deputy Governor, Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire has challenged religious bodies and organisations to pray for Nigeria, as the government takes steps to address the problems of violence and civil unrest, which are becoming a menace in the country.
Adefulire, while speaking to a delegation of Women Intercessors International Fellowship, led by Mrs. Patience Eworo, who paid a courtesy visit to her office, said the problems of the country, be it religious, ethnic or economic, require divine intervention even as government at all levels are putting heads together to tackle such problems for the benefit of all citizens.
“We cannot underestimate the power of prayers at this time; of course government is in place to tackle all problems but while we formulate and implement policies, prayers can also help to ensure that such policies receive divine endorsement that will make it successful,†Adefulire noted.
She enjoined religious groups of all faiths to continue to pray for the government while the spiritual heads and leaders of thought should admonish their members to eschew violence and restiveness, while embracing dialogue as a means of resolving disputes.
Adefulire thanked the women group and other prayer groups in the state and the country for their support and prayers for the government, which she noted has helped in no small measure to relieve the pressures and challenges of governance.
Earlier in her welcome address, the leader of the delegation, Mrs. Eworo noted that the organisation remains committed to praying for the country as a whole and it would not relent in its effort to ensure that peace reigns in Nigeria through fervent prayers at all times.
She said the organisation is putting together an all-women prayer conference in Benin City, Edo State before the end of the year, where women from all over the country will gather to offer prayers for the peaceful co-existence of Nigerians and also for a prosperous and vibrant economy for the country.