Founding National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief Bisi Akande has called on Nigerians to engage in fervent prayers for the quick end to the Covid-19 pandemic on January 16, 2021, his 82nd birthday.
Chief Akande who expressed desire to have a healthy nation with prosperous citizens said he would prefer to have the prayers for Nigeria as birthday gift than visitations to him and merry making.
Urging Nigerians to ensure that they abide by all safety codes and procedures against Covid-19 at all times, Chief Akande said the recent increase in the number of those who contracted it and death incidents from the pandemic should be sufficient to convince all hitherto doubting persons that the disease is real.
The former Governor of Osun sympathised with those who have lost their loved ones to the dreaded disease, pray for quick recovery of those undergoing treatment, congratulate those who had been successfully treated and pray for an end to the pandemic.
He stated that while thanking God for gift of life, he wishes that the Chief Imam of Ila-Orangun, Alhaji Salaudeen Àbdulamid will lead muslims in a special prayer at the Ila Orangun central mosque on Friday while the Christian Association of Nigeria, Ila Local government branch, led by Rev. Father Joseph Oxhonogoh are to similarly act in churches on Sunday as may be convenient for them.
He said it is wise to observe Covid-19 protocols and live than to celebrate in one day with dire consequences as repercussion, saying he would wish to have 200 million Nigerians hail and hearty at all times, if it’s possible.
He used the opportunity to call for more strategic thinking that would make Nigeria a world leading light where ability to make things work over-rides selfish interests, noting that it is the surest path to growth and development.
Chief Akande wishes all a happy and prosperous new year.
