Nigerian elites from the political, religious to business leaders, all good people and individuals with a vision must come together to make a great difference for Nigeria.
This was the central message Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN delivered in separate meetings at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, first with the new Methodist Archbishop of Abuja, the Most Revd. Michael Akinwale, and the leadership of the Northern Reawakening Forum, led by Hon. Mohammed Kumalia.
According to Osinbajo, “the elite (religious, political, business) in this country have the same hopes and aspirations. But it is to this elite that the future of this country has been entrusted. It is what this elite does that will make a difference in the lives of the rest of the nation.
“I think that the church has a great responsibility indeed… Christ said that we are the salt of the earth, the light of the world.
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“The first point of call is how the faith itself responds to the problems of the country. How does Christianity, how does the gospel respond to the problems of the society?
“Once the religious elite accept that people can do whatever they like, enrich themselves in whatever way they wish, then it becomes the culture of society and everybody accepts it as such,” he added.
He thanked the Methodist Church for its prayers for peaceful coexistence in Nigeria noting that, “we are always very mindful of the fact that this country is upheld by prayers. There is no question at all that without prayers, we may not be where we are today. So, none of us is under the illusion that a country can survive without the prayers and supplications of the saints.”
He prayed that the Archbishop’s tenure will be of tremendous benefit to the people of Abuja and the country at large.
Earlier in his remarks, Archbishop Akinwale commended the Vice President for his “solidarity which you have always shown with the Christian community. We are also here to salute your visionary leadership, Godly character in governance, your Christian virtue which you have demonstrated over the years, your integrity in enhancing and sustaining the credibility of the Christian faith, your doggedness and commitment and tenacity of purpose.
