By Emmanuel Awari,Jalingo
The Bishop of the United Methodist Church in Nigeria, Bishop Ande Emmanuel, has urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and committed to the country despite the economic and social challenges confronting the nation.
He made the call shortly after an interdenominational Independence service organised by the Christian Association of Nigeria, Taraba State Chapter, in Jalingo to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.
The bishop acknowledged the difficulties Nigerians had faced over the years but said the country still had reasons to be grateful and hopeful.
“We will never lose hope as a country. We know that Nigeria, as a country, has been through a lot of challenges, but we still have reasons to be thankful.
“Number one reason to be thankful is that we are alive. Number two, despite our challenges, there is still hope. We see green lights of hope in different corners,” he said.
According to him, the Independence service provided Christians, including clergy and lay faithful, an opportunity to thank God for Nigeria’s journey since independence.
He urged citizens not to give up on the country because of the difficulties they are currently experiencing.
“Things would come in the future. Citizens should remain committed to the country and continue to believe in its future,” Emmanuel said.
On the recent episcopal election in the United Methodist Church in Nigeria, the bishop said the development demonstrated the growth of the church in Taraba State.
He expressed optimism that the election of new episcopal leadership would further promote the expansion and progress of the church.
The bishop also commended the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, for creating what he described as an enabling environment for religious activities and the preaching of the gospel.
He said peace remained essential to allowing Christians and Muslims to practise their faith freely.
“The role of peace in enabling Christians and Muslims to practise their faith freely and efforts towards maintaining peace in Taraba State is very much commendable,” he stated.
Emmanuel urged Nigerians to continue working for peace and unity, saying the country’s future depended on citizens’ collective commitment to its progress.