SGIC Hosts 2023 Tribal Day Worship With Clarion Call For National Unity
…”This is Laudable, Reflective of Jesus’ Teachings About God’s Kingdom” – Ondo CAN Chairman
It was yet another mega festival of praise and worship to God on Sunday, 24th September, 2022 as different tribes across ethic boundaries gathered together to worship the one true God at this year’s Tribal Day Worship.
The grand event, put together by the Salvation Gospel International Center in partnership with the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, (PFN), Ondo State is the fifth of its kind and it witnessed large turn out of Christian community from across Yorubaland, Igboland, Hausaland, Ebira among others in full regalia worshipping God in the richness of their respective cultures.
Speaking on the essence of the yearly programme, the visioner and the Senior Pastor of Salvation Gospel International Center said the program was in response to God’s instructions in 2018 to gather men and women from different tribes to worship the One True God in unison.
Pastor Foluso while extending gratitude to the leadership of the State PFN for keying into the vision further noted that beyond the carnival-like, rich cultural celebration of God, the goal is to worship God and preach the Gospel of Christ as God over everything.
According to him, the event provides yet another opportunity to strengthen the bond of the different tribes in Nigeria and share the love of Christ beyond boundaries; a world where Christians irrespective of their tribe and tongues embrace one another across denominations.
Speaking on the theme: “One God”, the State PFN Chairman, Bishop J. K. Opayinka restated the importance of offering praises to God noting particularly that it brings down the hand of God.
He also admonished Christians to take advantage of praising God as it naturally activates increase over a life.
In a separate remark, the Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Ondo State, Revd. Fr. Anselm Ologunwa lauded the initiative saying it is reflective of how Jesus Himself used the culture of the people to teach basic truth about God’s Kingdom.
“Jesus Himself used the culture of the people to teach about the kingdom of God. He talked sacrifice and He called Himself the Lamb and He made Himself the Lamb to be sacrificed. He used their food, Bread and then Wine to teach them as well. So, what we are doing here today is reflective” he added saying when one worships God in the richness of one’s culture, it is not a fetish practice.
He however admonish Christians most especially to dress well and be mindful of how they speak.
Major highlight of the event include rich cultural display by different tribes, drama as well as special prayer for the Nation.
The Iralepo of Isinkan, Oba Olugbenga Ojo, the Aremo Owa of Apoiland, Chief Mrs Funmi Adesomoju, the Olu of Aladodo, Kabiyesi Ayodeji Fatoki, among other Royal Fathers, the state PFN excos, CAN leadership, other anointed Men of God, Leaders of Artisan Groups, the state leadership of Market men and women among others were also attendance.
In a chat with newsmen, Bishop Dr Olusegun Ibidakun while applauding the initiative said it is high time clerics across states of the federation preach the same message of unity among tribes to further unite Nigerians.
In separate interviews, the Aremo Owa of Apoiland, Chief Mrs Funmi Adesomoju and the Iyaloja General, Ondo State, Chief Mrs Kemi Aisida described the event as significant as it not only preaches the message of unity but reminds the people of the need to appreciate their respective culture.
While also commending the Christian body for bridging the gap among different tribes, they urged the organizers to sustain the tempo of the program praying that in years to come, it will become a mega event across states of the federation.