By Dr Raphael Ogar Oko
On May 28, 2015, the Federal Government of Nigeria under the leadership of President Goodluck Jonathan will be ending the mandate given to them by Nigerians and the President elect, General Muhammadu Buhari shall be inaugurated on May 29, 2015 for a four year mandate given by Nigerians.
We should all be delighted that Nigeria will eventually enter the first ever 5th tenure of civil governance from May 29, 2019 which will lead to the completion of the 20 year cycle of uninterrupted civil leadership (1999 -2019). This is a unique opportunity with several challenges as we have become divided again along religious, ethnic and political lines. Even though there are conflicts, disagreements and divisions, we all belong to one nation under one God and we are one people. Despite our differences, Nigeria remains our common denomination.
As we prepare to enter a new era after amalgamated Nigeria at 100 and welcome the new government at the Federal and State levels from May 29, 2015, it is important to offer special prayers for the 40 days between now and the handover date by committing all that has happened and all that will happen to God. In response to UPF Founder’s call to Forgive, Love and Unite, we are beginning a 40 day national prayers and reflection condition to usher a new era of Forgive, Love and Unite from May 29, 2015.
The Universal Peace Federation – Nigeria hereby declares 40 day nationwide prayers and deep national reflection as a foundation for national peace, unity and sustainable development. We are inviting all Ambassadors for Peace and their family members as well as all Nigerians all over the world to join the 40 day condition for national renewal and preparation for a new era. The 40 day condition commences on Sunday, April 19, 2015 and will continue until Thursday, May 28, 2015. Participants are invited to offer prayers for Nigeria and to reflect on the challenges we have passed through as well as the new opportunities and challenges ahead.
During the period of prayers and reflection for our nation, let us be determined to awaken our nation and our people to the critical need to Forgive, Love and Unite. Join us in a nationwide 40 day prayer and reflection to prepare Nigerians and Nigeria for the new era that is emerging before us all and to appreciate the outgoing government and welcome the new government. Surely, governments will come and go, but we as a people shall remain and our nation should remain! Let us all pray in our families, schools, workplaces and worship places and wherever we gather as a community. Let us commit to pray to God for peace, unity and development of our nation and let us reflect on our past, our present situation and our common future. Join us in the nationwide 40 day (April 19 – May 28, 2015) prayers and deep reflection to welcome the emerging new era in Nigeria.
Dr Raphael Ogar Oko, Secretary General, UPF Nigeria
For more information, contact UPF Nigeria via Nigeria@upf.org Issued at the opening ceremony of the UPF Nigeria Peace Education Center in Warri, Delta State, Nigeria on Saturday, April 18, 2015
