By Teddy Nwanunobi
Abuja (Sundiata Post) — National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), on Friday, said that President Muhammadu Buhari’s return to the country 51, after being away from office on medical vacation, was a pointer that God actually answered the prayers of the Nigerian students.
It would be recalled that the NANS had declared a three-day prayer on Monday, beginning from Wednesday to Friday for the quick recovery of the President.
Following the news of Buhari’s return from the United Kingdom to the country, over 300 youths, mainly students, trooped out to the National Mosque in Abuja to welcome him.
Speaking with journalists, National President of NANS, Chinonso Obasi, said Nigerians students believe that the return of Buhari to the country on the early hours of Friday, the very final day of its three-day prayers, was “a prayer answered to 40 million Nigerian students”.
“When we joined other patriotic citizens to pray for the quick recovery and early return of Mr. President, some people wondered why NANS should be declaring three days of prayer for the recuperation and rejuvenation of the President.
“One thing you cannot take away from Nigeria, our country, is that God is interested in our unity and progress. That is why whenever Nigerians come together to demand anything from God, He graciously grants it.
“That is why when our sports men and women, especially footballers engage in a major competition, the country’s flag flies high triumphantly, despite challenges. For President Muhammadu Buhari to return safe and sound back to our fatherland 51 days, after he went overseas on medical vacation, vindicates the Nigeria motto of ‘unity, faith and progress’.
“For us in NANS, we are overjoyed that God has graciously and mercifully granted our prayers in the past three days of the exercise. This is a testimony to the fact that Nigerian students, nay youths, could achieve much, if they set their hearts and minds on noble causes.
“The success of NANS’ three-day prayers for the President’s early return has rekindled our belief that united in peace, there is no obstacle that Nigeria cannot surmount. It is also a good omen that with similar unity of purpose and solidarity, our country would overcome its present socio-economic challenges.
“Now that the President is back, we need to support him in our individual prayers so that he will continue to pilot the ship of state to safe and sane harbor where impunity, corruption and segregation would have no place.
“As Muslim faithful in NANS concludes the three-day prayers at today’s Jumat service, and their Christian counterparts round up their prayers with thanksgiving on Sunday, we wish to encourage us all to continue in this spirit of oneness and love, believing that Nigeria will attain its promised greatness.
“We wish to use this opportunity to remind the President that having rested and rejoined Nigerians, he should tackle with renewed vigour the cankerworm of corruption and all forms of insecurity that are threatening the nation’s future. As we continue in thanksgiving to God, let us remember that Nigeria belongs to all of us and do only those things that would engender peace and unity,” he said.