Nigeria must return to good old days of religious tolerance, says Esther Ajayi

Esther Ajayi, founder of Love of Christ Generation Church (LOC), says Nigeria needs to return to the good old days when religious tolerance was a virtue.

Speaking at a media parley to announce the 16th anniversary of the church and the second anniversary of its Lagos cathedral, Ajayi asked Nigerians to embrace their religious differences and uphold national unity if they desire the country to succeed despite its present economic circumstances.

Ajayi, popularly known as Iya Adura, noted that apart from shunning religious intolerance, religion should not be a criterion for those appointed to positions.

She urged political leaders to always seek divine wisdom to lead the country right, while also calling for patience and steadfastness from the citizenry.

The reverend mother also asked Nigerians to stop making negative pronouncements about the country, while emphasising that there is power in the tongue. She said Nigerians should pray for and speak positively about the nation.

“When Nigeria began, there was nothing like whether you were a Christian or a Muslim. We were one big happy family, and I pray that God will come through for Nigeria to return us to those good old days. When Christians were celebrating, Muslims would come around, and the same thing used to happen during Christian celebrations. We celebrated together; that is our foundation and we are trying in this church to bring that back,” Ajayi said.

“What I am preaching is national unity. You don’t have to be a Christian to enter this church. It is my Father’s house. If they come in and God wins their soul, that will be good. After all, there is nothing that God cannot do. But Love of Christ (LOC) is a place where the glory of God shines for everyone.”

Speaking about the anniversaries scheduled for September 3 in Clapham, London, UK, and September 10, in Lagos, Ajayi said the occasion will be used to thank God for his faithfulness through the years and to preach national unity.

She said the anniversary activities will begin on August 26 with a youth sports festival at Pinnock Estate Leisure Centre, Lagos, followed by a praise and worship session on Sunday, August 27.

“The event scheduled for LOC Clapham, London, will have Pastor and Pastor (Mrs) Ajitena of CLIWOM Sanctuary of Praise, London, as special guests. The Lagos celebration will also be used to mark the second Anniversary of the LOC Cathedral, which will begin on September 8 with a 7-hour praise and worship vigil. Sunday, September 10, will feature a thanksgiving service which will be the grand finale,” she said.

“His Eminence, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, President, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), will deliver the sermon while former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Amb. Sarafa Tunji Ishola, Senator Gbenga Daniel, Chief (Mrs.) Onikepo Akande, Ooni of Ife, HIM Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Alhaji Musiliu Akinsanya, Dr (Mrs.) Quincy Ayodele, Mrs. Afolakemi Omosalewa, Mr. Rotimi George-Taylor, DIG Taiwo Lakanu (Retd), Dr. & Mrs Peter Obafemi have all confirmed attendance.

“The following artistes will perform during the anniversary: Lanre Teriba (Atorise), Big Bolaji, Tolani Qadri, Segun Hdonu Williams Addo (Eazy Entertainment), Aduke Gold and Yinka Alaseyori Bidemi Olaoba.”