RCCG zone celebrates Yoruba tradition as cleric warns leaders towards dispossessing folks

… Hails Yoruba race’s contributions to growth

The Zonal Pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), the Everlasting Light Parish, Abuja, Pastor David Okoror, has urged Nigerian leaders to make use of energy as a defend to guard residents slightly than as a sword to disposses them.

Okoror made the decision Sunday in Abuja in the course of the church’s Yoruba Cultural Sunday celebration, themed: “Our culture is not evil and should not die.”

The pastor, who’s a safety knowledgeable, stated Nigeria was at present dealing with challenges on all fronts, however within the midst of the challenges, the nation should discover causes to thank God.

“Nigeria currently, a lot of things seem to be very wrong. We have challenges everywhere. But the Bible commands us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 that in all things we should give thanks,” he stated.

He stated despite insecurity, unemployment and different difficulties, Nigerians ought to thank God that the nation was nonetheless one nation and never at struggle.

According to him, the church selected to rejoice the Yoruba race for example of causes to thank God for Nigeria, citing the achievements of the Yoruba folks in training, medication, trade and professionalism internationally.

Okoror stated the celebration of 1 ethnic group by folks from various backgrounds demonstrated the unity wanted to handle nationwide challenges.

“Today we’re celebrating the Yoruba tradition however the Igbo man is right here, the Edo man is right here.

“I am not a Yoruba person but I am wearing agbada and a Yoruba cap. We are going to eat amala, gbegiri and Yoruba food. That is how we promote unity,” he stated.

On his message to authorities, the cleric stated energy was given by God for cover.

“My message to authorities and people who maintain energy is that they need to use energy and authority as a defend, as a safety, as a masking for the folks.

“Covering from insecurity, unemployment, hunger and destitution. That is the purpose of power,” he stated.

He added that when energy was misused, the folks endure.

“When you use power as a sword, you use it to dispossess the people, you steal from the people, you take away their rights,” Okoror stated.

He assured Nigerians that there was hope if the nation continues to belief in God to navigate its present difficulties.

“There is hope, as long as God is on the throne. He will see us through the current challenges and take us to the Promised Land,” he stated.

Also talking, the Parish Pastor, Otumba Oreoluwa Ariba, stated the celebration was his personal means of appreciating God via Yoruba heritage.

Pastor Ariba likened the occasion to the ‘Oju de Oba’ competition in Ogun state the place he hails from, describing it as an avenue to supply God the best type of high quality reward as Christians.

“When you praise God, you move Him from His throne. It is the easiest way to get victory, to get answers to prayers and for God to fight your battles,” he stated.

Ariba stated the church intentionally infused Yoruba language, apparel and music into the service to reveal that Christianity doesn’t erase tradition.

In the identical vein, Dr. Bolaji Mejabi, a lecturer at Baze University, Abuja, who can also be the Chairman, Organizing Committee, stated the occasion underscored the necessity to appropriate misconceptions about African tradition.

Dr. Mejabi stated the Western narrative that labelled African tradition as evil had led many Nigerians to desert helpful heritage which the West had adopted.

“Our culture is not evil at all. There are some practices we have to modernise, but everything should still give glory to God,” he stated.

He lamented that many Yoruba kids might not converse the language, greet elders correctly or bear names that mirror their heritage.

According to him, values equivalent to respect, love and unity embodied within the Omoluabi ethos have been vital to rebuilding the ethical cloth of the nation.

“Yoruba culture is all about love, unity and respect. We respect our elders and show love. If we revive these values in our homes and schools, it will reflect in governance,” he stated.

He urged dad and mom to consciously train their kids learn how to greet, costume and converse Yoruba, noting that charity begins at dwelling.

Mejabi added that coaching kids in cultural values aligns with biblical instruction to coach a baby in the suitable means.

The nicely attended occasion featured cultural dance, drama, present shows and conventional delicacies together with amala, ewedu, gbegiri, ofada rice and pounded yam, amongst others.

Members from completely different ethnic teams attended the service in Yoruba apparel, reinforcing the message of unity in range.

Organisers stated the church had beforehand celebrated different ethnic teams and would proceed to take action to foster nationwide cohesion and thanksgiving.