By Olayinka Latona
CITIZENS COMPASS—The Visioner & President of Edward Benson Fire Crusades (EBFC), Bishop Edward Onabedje Benson has stated that Nigerians from all spheres irrespective of race, tribe, beliefs, or profession, have roles to play in changing the negative narratives which will help to position the country for greatness.
He said every Nigerian, either in government or not, has a vital role to play in the development of the country and curbing social vices. He also emphasised that the government alone cannot do everything, hence the need for all hands to be on deck and ready to play their roles in their different spaces.
Addressing journaliss in Lagos, the cleric announced EBFC’s Two-day fire crusade with theme: ‘Greater Grace, Greater Power’, scheduled for Saturday, August 24th and Sunday 25th, 2024 at Blue Roof, LTV 8, Ikeja, Lagos.
According to him, nation-building is a call to arms – a vital task – a necessity and shared responsibility. Transforming Nigeria is a journey that demands our collective dedication, building across political affiliations, ethnic differences, and socioeconomic differences.
In his words: “I am an optimist who believe strongly in the potential of our nation. We must work together to create the progress we so desire through innovation, and with unity in diversity.
“A great nation is not the responsibility of our government alone. Great nations start with great people, not just great leaders. The responsibility of nation-building falls upon each and every one of us. To truly build a strong and prosperous nation, we must be more conscious and dedicated in our efforts.”
“You see, these two hands we have and the intellect God has given us, it is to solve problems. And any man who cannot solve his own problem definitely does not merit coming out of such problem.
“We always pray at all times, asking God to solve our problems, and sometimes we don’t get answers. I will tell you why. What God has put in the power of man, God will not deal with. I will urge us to look inwards.
“I can guarantee you, the economic problems in this country today, it does not require prayer to solve. It just requires man putting his ingenuity to work. The Chinese and Americans don’t pray as we do, and their economy is working. We have a great economy. The strength we are putting in to try to survive in our present situation, if we put it to a level to resolve our personal problems, then we can change things around for better in Nigeria.
“My advice to us is let us look inwards. Nigeria is already so blessed. Whatever you are going to look for out there is here.”
Speaking on EBFC crusade, the cleric who is also the Member, Province Advisory Council, PFN Kosofe explained that the event is targeted at winning souls, and it’s in collaboration with Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, and Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN.
In his words: “I thank the Lord for saying to me, the time has come for you to move out and do that which I have committed into your hands. The theme is inspired by the Holy Spirit and not from self. And I believe that God will minister to His people during these two days.
“God will move to heal, deliver, save souls from the bondage of the enemies and prepare us for our heavenly home. The theme of the crusade is greater grace, greater power, so we are expecting the move of God in a mighty way on Saturday and on Sunday.
“Also, believe God’s move in our country, regardless of the fact that we have differences, it’s still the best country in the world. I believe God is using the crusade to turn things around in our nation. We see an economic turnaround as a result of the prayers that will be said during the program. We look forward to spiritual, physical and economic healing on that day. There is absolutely nothing that God cannot do.”
The crusade transportation committee also revealed that there would be free buses at strategic locations all over the Lagos metropolitan to convey participants to the venue of the crusade.
Some of the gospel ministers expected to minister at the crusade are: Evangelist Dunni Olarenwaju, Evangelist Chuks Chidube, Minister Sammie O.S.A, EBF mass choir and others.
