IKEJA- The Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, has urged Nigerians, especially the people of the state, to show extend mercy to one another in striving to overcome challenges in 2025.
Obasa gave the advice on Friday at the 2024 Annual Thanksgiving Service/End of Year Party, 22nd Edition, in Ikeja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that theme of the thanksgiving service is ‘The Voice of Mercy’ and organised by the assembly’s Christian association.
Obasa noted that it was, indeed, through God’s mercy that there could be strength, solace, and renewal in the coming year.
He said in challenging times like these when the world seems overwhelming and uncertain, it was crucial to remember the enduring message of mercy and grace that was ever-present in humanity.
The speaker reminded Nigerians of the power of mercy, compassion and belief to live a life of gratitude, reflecting the voice of mercy in words and actions.
He said: “As the theme of this event reminds us, ‘The Voice of Mercy’ is a call to reflect on God’s goodness and compassion toward us.
“In Psalm 103:8, we are reminded that: ‘The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love.’
“This verse highlights God’s merciful nature and His willingness to show compassion to those who seek Him.
“As we reflect on this theme, I am reminded of the powerful words of Psalm 136:1, ‘Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever.’
“Also, in Luke 6:36, Jesus teaches us to be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. As we reflect on God’s mercy, let us also remember our responsibility to show mercy to others.
“As we celebrate this thanksgiving, let us also remember the words of Jesus Christ in Matthew 5:7, ‘Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.’ May we continue to show mercy and compassion to one another, just as our Lord has shown mercy to us.”
Obasa noted that 2024 was indeed a challenging one, especially considering the economic situation of the country.
He said nevertheless, Nigerians should have solace in that the President Bola Tinubu-led administration was not leaving any stone unturned to bring succour to Nigerians.
According to him, President Tinubu is busy, and doing everything possible to put smiles on the faces of Nigerians, urging the people to trust him that succour is coming.
“I urge us to keep the hope alive,” he said.
In his sermon, the Archbishop of Lagos, Methodist Church of Nigeria, Most Rev. Ayo Olawuyi, urged Nigerians to hold only unto God for them to receive mercy.
Olawuyi said it was by the mercy of God that hunger and famine had not taken over in the country, adding that it was by God’s mercy that the nation was standing again.
“It’s by the mercy of God that the state is thriving and working. It is by the mercy of God that the executive power of the state is thriving and working.
“It is by the mercy of God that the state is thriving and working,” he said.
Also speaking, the Patron of the event and member of the assembly, Mr Emmanuel Olotu, said if the mercy of God comes upon every Nigerian, every obstacle would be removed and things would begin to work according to the will and purpose of God.
Olotu, representing Ifako-Ijaiye Constituency 2, said, “With the mercy of God, all things are possible”.
Also gracing the event were Lagos State Chairman, All Progressive Congress, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs, Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, and various state executive officers, amongst others. (NAN)
