ABUJA – President Goodluck Jonathan on Sunday in Abuja said the victory of Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Saturday peaceful election in Ekiti State were signs of unfolding greatness of Nigeria as a nation.
The Super Eagles on Saturday defeated their Bosnia and Herzegovina counterparts by 1-0 at the ongoing world football tournament in Brazil, while the PDP candidate in Ekiti State, Mr Ayo Fayose, won the state governorship election.
The president, who was speaking at the Aso Villa Church, Abuja, after his investiture as the Grand Patron of the Boys Brigade, Nigeria, noted that the Eagles, by their performance, made Nigeria and Nigerians proud.
He further stated that the peaceful conduct of the Ekiti poll was an indication that Nigeria could get the conduct of elections right.
‘‘I’m particularly happy today because of the two events that happened on Saturday.
‘‘First was the election in Ekiti State. I’m quite happy not necessarily because my party won the election.
‘‘Yes, as a leader of the party, I’m supposed to be happy, but it is beyond that. I was told that there may be crisis in Ekiti because the report I got before the election, the feeling was that yes, one party might win or lose, but there will be fire and brimstone.
‘‘I have to commend the Nigerian police and other security agencies for the way they were able to manage the election.
“Today, Ekiti is in a peaceful state, elections are over and of course to cap it all, those of you who watched the late night match, the Eagles made us proud.
‘‘I only see this as a sign of unfolding of a greater nation coming; Nigeria will surely take its rightful in the comity of nations; all the challenges will surely pass away,’’ he said
The president also expressed appreciation to those who had been praying fervently for the success of the efforts by government to tackle the Boko Haram insurgency.
‘‘First, let me use this opportunity to appreciate all Nigerians because those of us who are from the Eastern Region know what civil war was.
‘‘But since that time, this country has not passed through these threats. I appreciate the feelings of Nigerians, the endurance and the support they have been giving to the government.
“Let me also appreciate those of you who are prayer warriors for interceding day and night for God to intervene.
’’I always believe that any journey to where it is good will pass through bumps. And Boko Haram is one of those obstacles but my conviction is that good will always overcome evil.’’ he added
He commended the efforts of Bible Society of Nigeria, which had earlier presented to him copies of the Holy Bible, translated into Nigerian languages.
The president was decorated as the National Grand Patron of the Boys’ Brigade of Nigeria.
The ceremony, which was supervised by the National President of the brigade, Prince Yandev Amaa-Bai, witnessed the presentation of the flags of Nigeria and those of the brigade to the president.
The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, also bagged the Honorary Matron award conferred by the brigade.
The Chaplain of the Villa, Venerable Obioma Onwuzurumba, was also honoured as Honorary National Patron of the brigade.
The Bible Society of Nigeria, represented by its President, Dr. Aaron Nuhu and some of the members, were also at the Villa Church to show their appreciation to the president for his support to the society.
Special copies of the Holy Bible, translated into Ebira and Igege languages, were later presented to the president.
The first lesson, which was taken from Exodus 3: 1-12, was read by the First Lady, while the second lesson taken from the book of Matthew 25:14-30, was read by Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu.
In his sermon, Venerable Onwuzurumba reminded human race that life was all about serving God and humanity.
‘‘I have arrived at the conclusion that life is all about service to God and to humanity. It is not about titles. Whether you are a politician, a civil servant or whether you are in the Church, life is about service to the people and God.
‘‘Let us learn to appreciate God at any point in time.
