By Aramide Oikelome Snr Correspondent, Lagos
The plethora of uncommon events that marked the year 2014 may-have ushered in a Year 2015, that is obviously pregnant with a lot of scary uncertainties.
Okogie Kumuyi
Topmost on the list of unusual events that shook Nigeria in 2014 were the abduction of over 200 secondary school girls in Chibok, Borno State, and the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), which claimed the lives of some Nigerians. At the moment, tension is very high as the build up to the general elections heightens.
In the midst of these concerns and uncertainties, some prominent Christian clerics have rolled out what they believe is the word of the Lord for Nigeria and Nigerians in 2015.
Decisive year for all –Olubunmi Cardinal Okogie
2015 will be a serious year for all of us. We will conquer Boko Haram by the grace of God. But, we must show commitment and respect for human life. I am not a Seer or Prophet, but speaking as a man, I pray that the Good Lord will make 2015 peaceful; that our leaders and those that are anxious to lead, whether they know how to do it or not will have the heart to do what is right.
Year 2015 will be a successful year if our leaders can turn to God. To be successful, they must have the fear of God; they must acknowledge that the position they are holding is on trust, hence they must lead aright. As a father, a leader should look out for the progress of his children; so as leaders, whether religious, social, business or others, we must have the interest of the people at heart.
To our politicians, it is unfortunate that they have made a mess of the nation, whether as members of PDP, APC or others. The question is “Where do we go from here?” They want to destroy everyone for their selfish reasons but God is a God of vengeance and He will judge all. It is only as we turn to God that things will be right in this nation.
Year of God’s visitation –Pastor William Kumuyi
Nigerians should not lose faith in God or categorise their problems as something that cannot be reversed or addressed by God. Despite the unpleasant occurrences that have filled the air and are making the hearts of men to fail them due to fear, Year 2015 is the year of God’s visitation. Nigerians need not to dwell on past disappointments, failures, defeats or losses. In fact, the victories of the present and the “wonderful things of today” cannot be compared with what God has in store for those who walk with Him in faith and faithfulness.
Indeed, God has not forgotten anyone notwithstanding the present challenges and troubles. We however require faith in God if we must conquer fear and defeat.
God will visit us as individuals and as a nation in the New Year. He will cause a total turn around. It is not what we saw yesterday, it is not what we see today that matters because better and brighter days are ahead.
2015 pregnant with uncertainties –Prelate Emeritus, Ola Makinde
The year is very decisive and notable for Nigeria and its citizens. We have to watch with all sense of spirituality, with fasting and prayer. 2015 is pregnant with lots of uncertainties. To avoid chaos; let there be free and fair election. It will be unfortunate if rigging is allowed, as it may be a way of rigging Nigeria out of existence.
I there urge all Nigerians to allow God’s will to prevail, at least for the sake of the poor masses. There is a lot of poverty in the land. Our leader would not pursue selfish interest; they should allow for free and fair elections so that there will be no chaos.
I also urge politicians to watch their utterances and allow God’s will to be done in their lives.
The year 2015 is a unique and long awaited year in the political history of our nation. It marks the end of the century of the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern protectorate, which gave birth to Nigeria. The year 2015 begins the journey of another century or the second century in the history of the birth of our nation. It is also a decisive year, a year that shall be filled with series of democratic and electioneering activities. It is a year of crucial decision making for Nigerians about the political future of our nation.
Year of new beginning –Bishop Adebola Ademowo
The year 2015 is a year of political and electioneering activities, which will inevitably determine the political and economic future of our nation. I call on the political elites to play politics, void of rancour, bitterness, thuggery, destruction of lives and properties and shedding of innocent blood.
I forsee a new beginning like prophet Isaiah did, a time of final triumph and peace, a time when good shall triumph over evil. I see a time when the seemingly consumed people of Nigeria shall be freed and liberated. I see a time when “the sword shall be beaten into plough-shares” and a time when this nation Nigeria shall no longer be plague with diseases and death, because, ‘For Zion’s sake, God will not be silent and for Jerusalem sake, God will not sleep, till her righteousness shines like a blazing touch.’’(Isaiah 62:1-2). There shall come a time of complete restoration of peace and beautiful things the enemies have stolen from our nation.
Year of vengeance, reward -Pastor Festus Adewole
2015 is a year of vengeance for all those that hate God and are perpetrating evil. It is also a year of reward for those that love God and do His will.
The remedy for the evil ahead is for Nigerians to draw closer to God. We must also engage in serious prayers. Christians must intercede for this country. Psalm 122 verse 6 says, “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem; they shall prosper that love thee.”
A year of fulfillment of dreams, Pastor E.A Adeboye, General Overseer, RCCG
For those who fasted 100 days last year: The harvest for the 100 days fast will be given this year. This year will be full of testimonies, those who have none before will have some this year. Some will swim in the river of abundance this year. There will be miraculous completion of projects. There will be fulfilment of dreams. There will be miraculous restorations. The song of many will be; The Lord has been good to me.
Scientific and medical breakthroughs will be many, particularly in the area of lack of sleep, dreams and brain disorders. Ebola will die out.
All over the world, insurgency will be considerably weakened. Pray against massive calamities. Pray against massive earthquakes, strong hurricanes and typhoons.
For RCCG members, charge your spiritual battery with only 40 days of fasting, starting on d 2nd of January 2015. Or do 20 days dry fast.
By the end of the year, many will say all is well that ends well.
Nigeria drifting from kingdom of God –Methodist Prelate Uche
The Prelate of Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu Uche, has said that the current Nigerian situation is redeemable only if Nigerians will move closer to God in the year 2015 and be more prayerful than ever before, stressing, that prayer answers all things.
According to him, “I firmly believe that this Nation can overcome these humongous challenges confronting her but it will require the prayer of all and sundry and the President and Commander-in-Chief must be prepared to be courageous and provide purposeful and inspiring leadership at this crucial moment in our national history.
“With fervent and faithful prayers, the elections will go smoothly and there will be no violence no matter how hard the enemies of this nation try. Just like the biblical Judah that was surrounded by powerful enemies, the prayers of the people of that Nation were answered by God and their enemies were defeated totally.”
He then called on politicians to commit themselves to the worthy cause of nation building as Nigerians are suffering unjustly in the midst of plenty. He pointed out that the gift of God to this Nation is not for the control of a minority over the majority but for the benefit of all. He said God is a God of justice who will never hold back from fighting for the oppressed.
The Prelate said there will be relative peace in the country in the New Year, but “it is equally important that Nigerians pray without ceasing”.
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