Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), at the weekend, said the consequences of not putting Nigerian youths on the path of rectitude would be too hard to bear for the country, stressing that he foresees danger ahead.
Consequently, he called on leaders, parents and guardians to rise up to various issues of moral decadence in the country.
Gowon, who was speaking at the 25th Anniversary of the Scripture Union (NIG), Abuja Area, and the presentation of a Book; ‘Acts Of The Pilgrims’, noted that the future of the country appears gloomy if “we do not rise up” to the issues.
His words: “May I challenge every participant and invited guest here that today’s celebration calls us into deep reflection of our lost Godly values and virtues, particularly, as christian men and women, and seek to recover them.
“This occasion must therefore compel us to reflect deeply on the state of the nation, particularly the issues relating to moral decadence, sexual perversion, restiveness, precarious security challenges and corruption.
“We must rise up to deal with various issues of moral burdens in our educational institutions and labour to arrest the tide through massive prayer campaign and action.
“If we do not arise to bring our youths into the path of rectitude, then their future will appear gloomy, and, therefore, we cannot build a virile nation of trust, integrity and good governance.”
While extolling the contributions of the SU to the course of humanity, Gowon said: “I can testify that SU as is popularly called has stood the test of time for several decades, and in particular Nigeria, in the pursuit of rugged evangelism and christian perfection.
“I am indeed proud to identify with the work of the Scripture Union as it has proved to be a strong evangelistic force on our University campuses, across various institutions and has actively provided the spiritual foundation and needs of our Nigerian Christian youths with significant proofs.
“Many of you seated here today can testify to the immense impact and influence of the SU upon your lives in your respective campuses and institutions as young christian students.
“I have no doubt that the purposeful and strategic influence of Scripture Union will continue to impact the church and our nation.”
Speaking on the Book: ‘Acts of the Pilgrims’ to mark the Jubilee Anniversary, Gowon described the book as an appetizer that will make the people to seek for more through God.
According to him, “this will deeply and further inspire us to remain steadfast and resolute in our walk with God on the ancient path with Him.”
The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, who was represented at the occasion by Pastor Steve Oyatayo from the Aso Villa Chapel said the government associated with the Union in view of its achievements in the country.
In his remarks, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Anyim Pius Anyim, quoting from the Book of Daniel 11: 32, said: ” the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits.”
He admonished Nigerians to always stand by the truth, honesty and uprightness in all their dealings to promote the country.
Also, the Presidential Adviser on Media, Mr Femi Adeshina, while contributing, said the Scripture Union (SU) over several decades in the country had continued to preserve the originality of the word of God.
He urged other faith-based organisations to emulate the body by truly propagating the gospel of Jesus Christ to have a peaceful nation.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the SU Abuja Area, Mr Emeka Orji, said that God had been faithful to members since the launching of the SU in the FCT, in spite of daunting challenges.
According to him, “it has indeed been an awesome journey that could only have been conceived, developed, guided and established by the Lord God Almighty. It is a journey that has the unmistakable imprints of God,”. Click to signup for FREE news updates, latest information and hottest gists everyday
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Hearing Gowon a man who administered genocide talk about morals is a joke. Only in Nigeria. That is why the world sees us as nothing.
ReplyDeleteWell said bro
DeleteYou do not know the difference between the period of war and peace
DeleteThat was then. This is now. Can't you see?
DeleteSo when you start a war and you lose, you accuse your opponent of genocide?
DeletePlease think of what you just said. Sit back and think it through well. So even is biafra started it you will say genocide is acceptable? My friend do you have any formal education?
DeleteDo we expect Gowan to had fold his arms during the period of our Civil War?
ReplyDeleteNigerianeye you are unprofessional with this headline. Please don't speak ill for Nigeria with your negative headlines - obas
ReplyDeleteDon't be quick to judge pple guys, if someone has many Bad records, and decided to make it right and turn a new leave, u should try and appreciate and celebrate them, for no one is perfect. Some pple/past leaders have more horrible past than he had, and they are still in that horrible and nefarious activities. Great you Guys and happy sunday to U.
ReplyDeleteIf we were all to be judged by our past I wonder who will stand today. I think it's hypocrisy to judge others this way and not judge ourselves. We must look beyond our sentiments and, sometimes, the messenger, and judge the validity of the message. We will make progress this way
ReplyDeleteIf we were all judges by our past I wonder who will stand. It's astonishing how we judge others by a standard we will not dare judge ourselves. We need to look beyond our sentiments and, sometimes, the messenger, and judge the validity of the message. We will make progress this way
ReplyDeleteIf we were all to be judged by our past I wonder who will stand today. I think it's hypocrisy to judge others this way and not judge ourselves. We must look beyond our sentiments and, sometimes, the messenger, and judge the validity of the message. We will make progress this way
ReplyDeleteYeah, even de bilbe said behold am a new creation n all things has passed away so brothers we shud learn to 4get our brothers ugly past
ReplyDeleteGowon did not start the so-called pogrom. It all started with the assassination of the regional leaders from the North,West and Midwest in the first ever military coup led by General Aguiyi Ironsi. The leader in the East was spared. There was to be a Unity government which,from the scenario already created, there was going to be favoritism. The atmosphere became charged against the Igbos, and the gunpowder got ignited when an Igbo street hawker started making jest of his hausa customer. Street killings spread like wild fire. This led to another coup with Gowon emerging as the Head of State while Ojukwu was the Governor in the midst of the tension already created. Ojukwu ordered his tribesmen to come back home from all parts of the country, preparing for secession.Again those leaving the North were persecuted, but it was not directed by the Head of State. The crackdown of the secession started with police action but later escalated to a full war -all to maintain a sovereign Nigeria. This is what Gowon did.
ReplyDeleteWow you have written well. I wonder why we see Gowon as a demon when all he did was his job. Ojukwu did his job too and ran away to exile when the seat got too hot. So is Ojukwu an angel, didn't he kill Nigerians too. Also let us stop making jest of other tribes in Nigeria it causes a lot of problems. A LOT......
DeleteGowon told his boys.., Bisala, Gomwalk, Dimka, william seri, etc to kill muritala mohamed (Danjuma was informed of the plot) ..they Hit Muri at opposite former federal Secretariat ikoyi....Gowon was pardoned in 1983 by shagari
ReplyDeleteI KEEP SAYING THIS COWARD CALLED GOWON HAS NOTHING GOOD TO SAY EXCEPT TO REMIND NIGERIANS THAT HE IS STILL ALIVE. HE HAS BECOME ANOTHER FANI-KAYODE AND ARIBISIALA, ALWAYS FARTHING ON OUR AIR SPACE. GOWON'S IDEAS ARE EXPIRED AND HE SHOULD JUST SHUT UP OR MORE IMPORTANTLY LET HIM CRY ABOUT THE WOES OF HIS PLATEAU KINSMEN IN THE HANDS OF FULANI HERDSMEN.. Jay 2, Abuja.
ReplyDeleteU are making a lot of common sense my brother
ReplyDeleteNigerians let's forget the past and move forward. We can only pray and wish but only God has the final say because what u plant you'll surely reap.we need God's divine intervention if only for our children to live a comfortable life
ReplyDeleteYou ignorant bigots are missing the point. Genocide is a crime against humanity. Period. Under whatever excuse no leader should be allowed to be free when millions die of stavation as a war strategy. That is why you can smell sulphur when you say Awo.
ReplyDelete