Obasanjo to Nigerians: 2020 was challenging but let’s be thankful we’re alive

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has asked Nigerians who made it to the New Year to give thanks to God. 

Speaking at the second annual thanksgiving service of the Ogun state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Abeokuta, the state capital, Obasanjo said Christians will be failing in their duties if they refuse to give thanks to God irrespective of how challenging 2020 was.

Obasanjo underwent a COVID-19 test in August and his result came back negative.

He said those who survived COVID-19 are alive by the grace of God and not because they are better than those who died of the infection.

He asked Nigerians to show gratitude to God because He kept them alive for a purpose.

“And I believe part of the purpose is for you to continue to serve humanity and to serve God,” he said.

“It is our duty to give thanks to God. You will be the most ungrateful person if you do not perform the duty of giving thanks to God.

“In all circumstances, give thanks. Therefore, if you fail to give thanks, you are failing a very significant duty of yours as a Christian.

“Last year 2020 was a very challenging year not only for us in Nigeria, not only for us in Africa but for the whole world.

“The fact that you are alive calls for giving thanks to God. It doesn’t matter which way you look at it, that those who you know as a result of Covid-19 are no more here with us not because you are better than they are, more knowledgeable than they are, it’s just by the grace of God.

“And if God gives you that grace, to still remain on earth, maybe for a purpose and I believe part of the purpose is for you to continue to serve humanity and to serve God. You cannot be a servant of God if you cannot give thanks to him.

“The purpose of being here is to perform our duty as Christians, by giving thanks to God.”