Many residents of Lagos kicked off the New Year yesterday with prayers and worship even as they sought divine intervention for the upcoming general elections.
On the eve of the New Year, many parts of the state were agog with fireworks.
Christian faithful visited their places of worship for the ‘crossover’ night to herald the year with prayers.
Also yesterday, many churches in Lagos held the New Year Service amidst tight security as prayers were done for a prosperous new year and successful elections.
Church leaders interviewed expressed optimism that the 2019 elections would be peaceful and Nigeria would come out stronger.
At the Cathedral Church of Christ, Anglican Communion, the Bishop of Lagos Diocese, Bishop Humphrey Olumakaiye, admonished Christians to approach the New Year with high moral values which he said are imperative in their day-to-day life.
At Holy Cross Catholic Cathedral, Lagos Island, the governorship candidates of the All Progressives Congress and the Peoples Democratic Party, Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Jimi Agbaje respectively were among the dignitaries who attended the World Day of Peace/New Year mass.
Catholic Archbishop of Lagos, His Grace, Most Rev Alfred Adewale Martins, admonished politicians to conduct their activities towards the election with peace.
Also at the Latter Rain Assembly, Senior Pastor of the church, Pastor Tunde Bakare, prayed for peace violence-free polls.