By Busayo Onijala and Vezi Isike
Lagos – Mrs Bolanle Ambode and some members of the Lagos State Executive Council on Saturday prayed for peace in the state during the 12-hour praise concert held in Lagos tagged: “ Lagos Marathon Praise 2018’’.
The News agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that 28 artistes featured at the event where songs of praise and adoration filled the air.
The event organised by Jubilee Concert International was to appreciate God for good governance, unity and peace in the state.
It was also used to ask for God’s protection on the state and the country before, during and after the forthcoming 2019 general elections
NAN also reports that the first edition of Lagos Marathon Praise took place in 2017 during the `Lagos @ 50’ celebration.
This year’s edition also featured 28 gospel artistes.
Gov. Akinwumi Ambode and his wife, Bolanle were the Special Guests of honour then.
Mrs Bolanle Ambode was present at the event while Gov. Ambode,was represented by his Special Adviser on Education, Obafela Bank-Olemoh in this year’s edition.
Ambode in his address said that the event aimed at giving gratitude to God for sustaining the peace in the Lagos political space.
He said that the pace of infrastructural development in Lagos was a sign that Lagosians had God’s backing.in their activities
“I am pleased to identify with the organisers of this event which has brought us together for one purpose, to give praise and glory to our creator.
“As a government, we give glory to God for his innumerable blessings and the good things he has made possible in our state within the past three years.
“Each time I reflect on the level of development in our state, I come to the singular conclusion that this would not have been possible without the almighty God,” he said
He added that the state needed to engage in more spiritual activities, especially, now that the elections are by the corner.
“I believe that this gathering is divinely ordained and timely, considering the approaching the general elections in 2019.
”I also believe very strongly that as we proceed with this marathon praise, we shall receive more blessings from God almighty,” he said.
He urged the citizenry to tag along with the ongoing registrations and collection of the permanent voter cards so that they could participate in the forthcoming elections
Mrs Bolanle Ambode, First Lady, Lagos State said that the 12-hour event was organised to appreciate God for divinely inspired governance in the state.
According to her, the government and people of Lagos have enjoyed endless favours over the years and owe God gratitude for His continuous mercies.
“We have thought very deeply over time about the wonder of God to us as a people and how much we can give back.
“I realise that we can’t do so much but we must do all we can to appreciate and reverence him.
“Between last year and now, we can see the growth and progress our state has experienced, this year again we have 28 artistes that have come to join us in praising our God, “she said.
She called on Christian faithful to take advantage of the event in expressing their desires before God.
They should also have the belief in all sincerity that He is a God that answers when He is praised, she said.
“To every child of God here I will want to urge you not to underrate the power of praise.
“It is true that prayer works wonders but praise works more wonders.
“ I implore you to remain more steadfast and support this administration with all the prayers and praise we need to succeed,” she said.
Adegboyega Taiwo, the coordinator, Jubilee Concept International, in his welcome address said that 12 hours of praise concert was to offer God praise for peaceful co- existence, urban transformation and wisdom to run the state.
He said that the Governor Akinwunmi Ambode-led administration owed its success to the spiritual support it had been receiving from the residents of the state.
“We are aware of the peaceful coexistence, love and harmony that exist among people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, tribes and marriages that are resident in the state.
“This, in turn, has aided the Ambode-led administration in fulfilling its promises to the state since he became governor.
The had in attendance
The wife of the governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, the Special Adviser on Education, Obafela Bank-Olemoh graced the 12–hour praise concert which started at 9 a.m.
Also, the Special Adviser on Religious Matters, Kolawole Verrals, members of the Committee of Wives of the Lagos State Officials, (COWLSO), members of the House Representatives and the State House of Assembly, top government officials amongst others also attended the concert.
(NAN)