Nigeria Moving Forward Despite All Challenges – President

Nigeria is moving forward in spite of its daunting internal challenges.

At a Pre-Centenary National Praise and Thanksgiving Service (held on Sunday at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, in Abuja) the president urged Nigerians to see the challenges being faced by the country as ephemeral, adding that they should not be despaired.

Nigeria Moving Forward Despite All Challenges – President

The president noted the victories in the sports sector in spite of the challenges currently being witnessed in the country.

He recalled his visit to Super Eagles' camp in Addis Ababa on Saturday, he charged the players to win the World Cup qualifying match against Ethiopia.

"The victory will be a message to the World that the country is moving forward even in the face of challenges. With prayers, commitment and resilience of Nigerians, the country would overcome its challenges," he said.

According to NAN, the News Agency of Nigeria, the event scheduled to start at 3pm was delayed for 90 minutes to enable the president watch the World Cup qualifier.

The match played in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, ended 2-1 in favour of Nigeria. The Praise and Thanksgiving service was organised by the Office of the Special Adviser to the President on Religious Affairs and Chaplain of the Aso Villa Chapel, Ven. Obioma Onwuzurumba.

The event featured Nigerian gospel artists like Frank Edward and Hope Davies, American Judy Jacobs and Kurt Carr as well as the Mass Choir.

The service was sponsored by the Chairman of Nestoil, Dr. Ernest Obiejesi. In a brief exhortation before leading the prayers for the nation, Rev. Austen Ukachi, noted that prayers remained the key factor that united the nation for 100 years of its existence.

"In Nigeria's 100 years of existence, it had witnessed series of crises that would have disintegrated the country. It was the mercy of God and the prayers of the faithful that had kept the country united."