Former President Goodluck Jonathan ignored the Annual Thanksgiving service that was held at the Aso Villa Chapel on Sunday. The service was to show gratitude to God for the continued blessing on President Buhari and the entire nation.
Speaking during the service as he welcomed the leaders, Prof Osinbajo, who noted that the nation is grateful to God, adding that the Lord has upheld Nigeria even this year which is rounding up.
Later while speaking with reporters at the end of the service, the Vice President added that “the former presidents and vice presidents are here for the thanksgiving service, they’ve been invited specially to come.
He further stressed that “we were also expecting President Jonathan but unfortunately he had to cancel at the last moment. So we are all extremely excited that we are able to bring everyone together to thank God for our nation and to give him thanks for the great future ahead of us.
“We are thanking God, it is a wonderful occasion to thank God and that is what we have done here today.”
Also speaking at the service was the former Nigerian Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon prayed over the thanksgiving offering at the service. He urged all Nigerians to support the present administration’s efforts towards revamping the economy and restoring Nigeria’s dignity in the comity of nations.
He also offered special prayers for the leadership of the nation to overcome the numerous challenges and return Nigeria to the path of prosperity, peace and progress.
In his sermon the chaplain of the Aso Villa Chapel, Pastor Sheyi Malomo emphasized the importance of thanksgiving in every human endeavor. Citing the scriptures, the clergyman said God was expectant of gratitude for his good deeds to man.
According to him, “it is the will of God that whatever situation you are in, you should always give thanks to God because he expects thanksgiving every time.”
There was a dancing session at the service when the former leaders joined the Vice President and his wife to dance forward towards the altar in praise and adoration of God. Everyone in the congregation also followed suit in thanksgiving and prayers.
Good number of cabinet ministers, several top government functionaries and Christian leaders were also in attendance.
