Vice President Yemi Osinbajo former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon and General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God Pastor Enoch Adeboye were among worshippers at the 2018 Presidential Christmas Carol tagged Christmas Praise Concert held at the State House Banquet Hall on Thursday evening.
Wife of the Vice President Dolapo Osinbajo and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Boss Mustapha were also among the worshippers.
The first Bible reading taken from Luke 2:18 –18 was read by Mrs Victoria Gowon while the second reading taken from Isaiah 7:14–15, 9:6–7 was read by Governor Emmanuel Udom of Akwa Ibom State.
The Gospel lesson taken from Luke 2: 1–7 was read by Mr Mustapha.
In his Christmas message, Pastor Adeboye thanked God for peace in Nigeria and prayed God to continue to protect the nation and bring lasting peace to it.
He prayed for God’s mercy on the nation and committed the 2019 general elections into God’s hands.
In a special intercession, Pastor Seyi Malomo, chaplain of the State House Chapel, prayed for Nigeria and its leaders especially, President Muhammad Buhari, who would mark his birthday on Dec. 16.
The congregation was thrilled by renditions from various choir groups, including Aguda House Choir, Aso Villa Chapel Choir, Aso Villa Chapel Children Choir, Plateau Unity Choir and Praise Chorale, Lagos, among others.
Speaking with State House correspondents shortly after the carol, Governor Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti said his take away from the carol was that God should lead Ekiti people to freedom.
On his part, Plateau State Governor Simon Lalong said that God was bringing hope to Nigeria despite its numerous challenges.
He said that Nigeria was moving on the part of progress.
Also in attendance were Governors of Abiola Ajimobi, Akinwunmi Ambode, Rotimi Akeredolu and Gboyega Oyetola of Oyo, Lagos, Ondo and Osun states respectively.
Royal fathers, clergies, captains of industry and members of the National Assembly were also present.
