President Goodluck Jonathan, on Saturday said the results of his Transformation Agenda cannot be seen, if the security challenges confronting the country persist.
He made this declaration at the dedication of the new House on the Rock Cathedral in Lagos.
Jonathan, while speaking said Nigeria had undergone a series of tough times, and that “The great task before us as a nation is to demonstrate unfailing love wherever we are and to show that underlying our faith and belief is peace and harmony, never hostility or violence.
“The task of achieving our greatest potential as a nation lies in the collective effort of every individual and community, underpinned by love. If we all do our part, no matter how small, the Nigeria we crave will be a reality.”
The president commended the architectural work on the new cathedral, describing it as a combination of science and technology and “an unmistakable demonstration of our capacity for great achievements as Nigerians in any endeavour where we put our energies, industry and determination.”
Quoting some verses from the Bible on the virtues of building the cathedral and its spiritual relevance, the president added that the vision of Rev. Paul Adefarasin, the metropolitan senior pastor of House on the Rock, to build God’s house was commendable.
Also in attendance was a former British prime minister, Mr Tony Blair, who remarked that the task of national transformation anywhere in the world required the efforts of committed leaders and support of the citizenry..
Mr Blair, who attended the occasion with his wife Cherie, expressed optimism on the Jonathan administration in its bid to transform the country and change the fortunes of Nigerians who, he noted, were still wallowing in abject poverty.
Recounting his experience in office and using Jerusalem and the Middle East where there is protracted conflict, Blair said he “will love to see the day that Jerusalem will not only be a holy place but a centre of love for all”.
In his sermon, Rev. Adefarasin, said Blair was his mentor in inter-faith, to which he admits he is committed, decried a situation where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer.
He urged government to uphold equity and equality among citizens within the ambit of the rule of law, enthusing hope that Nigeria will be great.
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