The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio has pledged the support of the administration of President Bola Tinubu for the Church in Nigria and also commended the Methodist Church for perseverance in interceding for Nigeria.
Senator Akpabio made the pledge when a high powered delegation of the Church led by the Prelate, His Eminence, Dr Oliver Ali Abah paid a courtesy visit to him in his office in Abuja to invite him for the celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Church in Abuja.
A statement by the Special Asistant on Media and Communication to the President of the Senate, Anietie Ekong quoted Senator Akpabio to have said: “Let me congratulate the Methodist Church Nigeria. The history of being the premier church in Nigeria and founded 182 years ago is very interesting.
“It has reflected by being planted in every nook and cranny of Nigeria. You have done a lot in evangelism and your prayers have been wonderful. Also 40 years of the Methodist Church in Abuja is worth celebrating,” he said.
The Senate President promised to grace the occasion of the anniversary of the church on Sunday, October 13, 2024 in person and cancelled his other engagements so as to be present to celebrate with the Church in the epoch making occasion.
Addressing his guests, Senator Akpabio recalled his contribution to the development of Akwa Ibom State and Nigeria and acknowledged that it was through the guidance of God that so much was achieved.
“When I was a Governor I used to organize the largest chorale group in the world to sing to the glory of God. At a time we broke the Guinness Book of World Records by assembling 25,272 choristers to sing Christmas carols and to praise and worship God. This was to acknowledge God as our source,” he said.
Senator Akpabio prayed to God to guide the Prelate and the Church and urged them to continue to pray for the unity, peace, progress and development of Nigeria.
The Prelate, His Eminence Dr Abah congratulated Senator Akpabio on his recent elevations and for his love and sincerity of purpose that he has demonstrated towards the Church as a Knight of the Methodist Church.
According to the Prelate, “I want to assure you that the Methodist Church Nigeria is solidly standing behind you and praying for you because your success is our success. If you succeed, Nigeria has succeeded. God has given you this noble assignment to represent us as a Church and we will continue to pray for you,” he said.
On his part, the Methodist Archbishop of Abuja, His Grace, Most Rev (Dr) Michael Olusegun Akinwale intimated that the Church came into existence in NIgeria on 24th September, 1842, making it the first church in the country and commended Senator Akpabio for his legacy of uncommon transformation.
