Protocol,
Let me on behalf of the government and people of Lagos State express deep appreciation to the Chairman, the executives and members of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Lagos State chapter for keeping faith with this annual programme aimed at seeking divine intervention in the affairs of our State. I believe this yearly congregation is one of the major reasons for the progress and prosperity our State has continuously witnessed. I have no doubt that today’s service will usher in the presence of God as we reverence him in intense words and prayers.
There is nothing prayers cannot do in the lives of people who look upon the Lord and surrender their affairs in His able hands. In the book of 1Thessalonian 5:17, we are commanded to pray without ceasing After all, Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ started with prayer and ended with prayer.
‘Humility in Service’, the theme of this Divine Service says it all. John 13:1-16 where the theme is taken from demonstrates Christ’s complete love for his disciples knowing fully well that he would be betrayed, denied and deserted for a time by them. It also showed the humility of our Lord Jesus Christ. This is to tell us that as believers, we must exemplify Christ-like behaviour by loving and caring for one another. Above all, as Christians and leaders, we must show humility in service because it is a privilege to be called upon to serve.
I commend the Ministers of God for standing in the gap continuously to pray for the peace, progress and development of Lagos State and by extension, our nation. Without doubt, the prayers of the saints have been keeping us together as a people, and more importantly, it is the reason for the prevailing peace and prosperity we are enjoying in Lagos State even in the period of economic recession. I have no doubts in my mind that as we cry unto God today for a better and promising future for Lagos State, He will surely listen to our cries.
I seize this opportunity to appreciate the Chairman of the Planning Committee, Baba Aladura, Elder (Dr.) Israel Akinadewo and his team for the success of today’s Divine Service.
I urge us as brothers and sisters in Christ to live an exemplary live, worthy of emulation. As a government, we will always count on your support and prayers because without these, nothing much can be achieved. All that we have done in the past 32 months is to provide leadership with innovative ideas and passion to ensure significant improvement in the living conditions of our people.
We give glory to God for all that He has enabled us to achieve so far and the great things we look forward to in the near and foreseeable future.
Once again, I thank the entire members of C.A.N, Lagos State chapter under the able leadership of Apostle (Prof.) Alexander Bamgbola for your prayers and goodwill.
Thank you and God bless you all.
Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko, lo je wa logun!!!
Akinwunmi Ambode
Governor of Lagos State,
Alausa.
17th February, 2018.