Nigerian Government Encourages Faith-Based Support

Nigeria's president pledged Monday to remain focused on the administration's reform agenda, despite apparent challenges.

By Kenneth Chan, Thursday, December 23, 2004

Nigeria's president pledged Monday to remain focused on the administration's reform agenda, despite apparent challenges. Throughout the process of national development, the administration has continued to encourage faith-based partnership.

At a meeting with the national executive of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and CAN delegates, President Olusegun Obasanjo acknowledged that change was difficult because of the people's preference to submit to anti-progressive old ways. Obasanjo also cited ignorance and uncertainty about the future as factors responsible for resistance to change.

According to the Office of Public Communications for the State House of the Nigerian Government, Obasanjo agreed with the principles of the delegates, noting that leadership entails having an enlightened God-directed vision that is pursued with determination.

The president also thanked the delegates for their visit and for "the prayer support, which you have been giving me".

Earlier, Archbishop Jasper Akinola, the President of CAN and the Primate of the Anglican Communion, commended Obasanjo for his determination in implementing policies aimed at battling corruption, restoring the country to global acceptability and ensuring that all citizens were secure in any part of the country that they choose to reside.

Akinola also thanked Obasanjo for his efforts at completing the National Ecumenical Center in Abuja.