In a heartfelt gathering, the Diocese of Evo kicked off its annual “Evo Praise and Prays” program to commemorate Nigeria’s 64th Independence Anniversary.
Bishop Innocent U. Ordu, JP, DSSRS, implored God to listen to the cries of Nigerians and dismantle the many tyrannies of sin and injustice afflicting the nation.
Identifying these tyrannies, the Bishop highlighted issues such as poor leadership, corruption, misguided policies, injustice, oppression, nepotism, and criminality—factors that have left many citizens in despair and plunged Nigeria into a troubling state.
This powerful appeal was made on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at St. Mark’s Anglican Church in the Elelenwo District, as part of the annual Praise and Prayer for Nigeria event.
Bishop Ordu stressed that this anniversary calls for sincere prayers for God’s mercy and intervention in the nation’s affairs, rather than mere celebrations. He attributed the country’s challenges to ineffective leadership and a lack of patriotism among its citizens.
“Even the citizens contribute to the suffering in the land through their actions, which are part of the tyrannies of sin,” he stated.
He urged all Nigerians to take responsibility for helping the country recover from its current struggles. Additionally, Bishop Ordu encouraged the Diocese of Evo’s faithful to reject negativity and actively pray for God to eliminate sin and iniquity in the nation.
Referencing Psalm 67, he called on Christians to reflect on their role in the troubling circumstances facing Nigeria. “As Christians, we should stop magnifying the problems of Nigeria; God calls the Church to the place of prayer to liberate the country.”
The event featured uplifting songs of praise and numerous prayer sessions focusing on the spiritual, economic, political, and social well-being of Nigeria, Rivers State, and the Church, seeking divine intervention to restore the nation to a path of prosperity and greatness.
Earlier in the program, Rev. Canon Samuel Obialor from Christ Anglican Church, Federal Housing Estate Parish, addressed the theme “Unlimited Advancement and Fruitfulness Through Prayer and Praise” (2 Chronicles 20:18; Acts 16:25-27), emphasizing the essential connection between prayer and praise in the church’s spiritual journey.
The host Vicar, Ven. Azubuike Ugoha, thanked the Bishop for bringing the event to St. Mark’s Anglican Church and urged the faithful to reject evil, promote peace, and encourage leaders to stop oppressing others.
The program attracted a significant turnout from across the Diocese of Evo, showcasing a strong commitment to prayer and community support.
