The hope of a new Nigeria are Nigerians that never gave up on the country” – Fashola 

The Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola has said the hope of the country are Nigerians who never gave up. 

Fashola said this while speaking at a national symposium organized by the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Surulere District Headquarters Ayo Ni o Church  wardens to commemorate their golden jubilee anniversary. 

He explained that there is no country without challenges, and as such Nigerians need to take responsibilities rather than waiting for miracles. 

According to the Minister, the church must reform itself from propagating miracles without work.

The honorable minister said Nigerians have the right to complain about the leadership but should desist from using derogatory words to describe the country. 

“We choose what we become, the country that we don’t like, has become the safest country to other citizens from another country”, he stated.

The symposium, with the theme: ” The State, Society, and the Church: Beacon of Hope for a New Nigeria” was attended by cross section of  traditional rulers, government agencies representatives, including The Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Isiaka Oladapo Amao; the Shepherd Disciples of Christ Ministry, Special Apostle Pastor Femi Soyemi; Ms. Ibijoke Faborode, Founder & CEO, ElectHER and Mrs. Khadijah Okunnu-Lamidi, 2023 Presidential Aspirant.

The keynote address was given by Pastor Seyi Malomo, the chaplain of Aso villa, who represented the vice president of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbanjo. 

During the address, he said the young generation of Nigerians are the beacon of hope for a new Nigeria.
 
"The Nigerian people, particularly the young people today, are daring great odds to take their place under the sun, represent the beacon of hope for a new Nigeria. We must rise up to meet them with the values required to build a sustainable future, and inspire them toward the moral imperative of doing good and honest work to the best of their ability, as a service to humanity and to God. 

"Surely there is a future and a hope (Prov. 23:18) for Nigeria, and what is the church but the great bastion of this hope. We have a duty and a charge by God Himself to challenge the moral conscience of leadership when we do not live up to the standards of our office”.
 
"We have the ears and the hearts of the people. We must inspire them through our own great example to look to the future with hope, and to find that hope in their God-given abilities, in the strength of their character, in the enduring value of honest work, and a patriotic commitment to the overall well-being of the Nigerian nation."

Pastor Femi Soyemi, Shepherd of Disciples of Christ ministry, one of the speakers said we need to be consistent with our faith and our work with God to achieve a new Nigeria. He stated the church is full of activities but no spirituality. He implored church leaders to teach members rightly and lay good examples.

The Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Oladayo Amao represented by Air Vice Marshall I. G Lubo said the society does not exist independently without the individuals. The individual lives and acts within the society. Hence, the Church, the Society, and the State need to cooperate more than ever before to realize the new Nigeria that we all desire.

Also present was the Supreme Head of C&S Unification Church of Nigeria, His Eminence Solomon Adegboyega Alao JPil, his wife, as well as the elders of the District Headquarters.

The supreme head implored members of the church to get their PVCs. It will be civil disobedience if you don't have a PVC. "Vote for the candidate of your choice, vote for morality and credibility, and don't vote on a party basis", he said.