Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), at the weekend, said the consequences of not guiding Nigerian youths onto 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 celebration 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 to the path of rectitude, then their future will appear gloomy, and, therefore, we cannot build a virile nation of trust, integrity and good governance.”
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 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 Adesina, 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 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.”
-Vanguard
