By Ude Ogbonnaya Israel
The Bauchi State Government has re-echoed the central place of peace in the state, calling on religious leaders to intensify prayers while deliberately teaching their followers to become advocates of peace and tolerance, regardless of religious or cultural differences.
Hon. Zakka Luka Mgaji, Senior Special Assistant on Christian Religious Affairs to the Executive Governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, made this known on Saturday while addressing journalists at the conclusion of a 30-day prayer and fasting programme organized by Rivers of Life Bible International, Bauchi.
He described Christian religious leaders as critical stakeholders in sustaining peace and driving the overall progress of the state. According to him, ending such an extended period of fasting and prayer with thanksgiving and celebration is significant, but even more important is sustaining the spirit and mindset of peace prayed for.
Earlier in his welcome address, the host and Senior Pastor of Rivers of Life Bible International, Bauchi, and Chairman of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bauchi State Chapter, Pastor Promise Nuhu Yohanna, said the church had laboured in prayer and fasting and it was time to feast in thanksgiving to God.
He explained that participants would first engage in spiritual feasting through praise, worship, and prayers for the Body of Christ and the peace of Bauchi State before breaking the fast with physical food.
“This service of feast is to end a 30-day fasting and prayer for the church. It is our tradition at Rivers of Life Bible International to conclude with a feast where God is first honoured with praises and worship, which we consider His own food,” he said.
Speaking on the theme “Path to the Throne,” the guest minister, Rev. Benjamin Gin, noted that God instructed humanity on what to eat and what not to eat, stressing that discipline and self-control draw believers closer to God.
He emphasized that the true path to God’s throne is through accepting Jesus Christ and allowing Him to remain Lord and guide daily life against all forms of evil. Rev. Gin further stated that Christians cannot truly claim to be on the path to God’s throne until they reflect the character of Jesus Christ in their daily conduct.
The Suya Anointing Night programme attracted prominent men of God and representatives of various Christian bodies in Bauchi State, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN).
Highlights of the event included powerful praise and worship ministrations and an intense prayer session led by Rev. Matthew Laslimbo, Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bauchi State Chapter.
