By SUNNY OKIM

The former president, Olusegun Obasanjo has said that there are numerous problems plaguing the country at the moment.

He listed the problems, which he said were challenges, as insecurity, economic doldrums, financial instability and the current COVID-19 pandemic, among others.

The former president said this as a special guest at the just concluded centenary celebrations of The Salvation Army in Nigeria.

Speaking to the large congregation of Salvationists and friends who converged on the Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos for the 100 years celebration, the former president said:

"We have many challenges in this country today. There are

insecurity challenges, we have economic challenges and financial challenges. There are so many challenges facing us today as a people.

"Currently there is the pandemic. They said when you take two jabs of the vaccine, you'll not get COVID-19. I went out to get the two jabs. But now they are telling me that the two jabs can only give one 64% protection, that I should come back and take what they call a booster.

"And I say may be there'll be another booster after that.

These are all challenges facing us.

"All we need to do as soldiers of Jesus Christ, is to hand over all these challenges to God. He knows how to protect His people from all earthly challenges.

The former president commended The Salvation Army in Nigeria led by Colonel Victor Leslie for meeting the physical as well evangelical needs of Nigerians for the past 100 years since it came to Nigeria.

"The Salvation Army is a unique movement worldwide. You are good people and that's why I am here to honour your invitation. I love to be in the midst of people who do good," he said.

On his own part, the Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo commended The Salvation Army for all their services to God and humanity in Nigeria for the past hundred years.

The vice president who was represented by the State House Chapel Administrator

at the presidency, Abuja, Rev Isaac Ambi, said 100 years is not hundred days, and this means a lot to the country and Nigerians as a whole.

According to Osinbajo, the organisation is making a lot of impact around the world, and it's a good thing that Nigeria has been a beneficiary since 100 years now.

Talking specifically about the many challenges in the country, the vice president said:

The challenges are calling our attention as children of God to go on our knees and seek the face of God.

"In the scriptures God said, if the people can humble themselves and come to Him in prayers, He will answer. The present situation in Nigeria will not last forever. I foresee a new Nigeria in not too long a time," he said.

The vice president admonished the leadership of The Salvation Army to continue to keep faith alive and to continue to help humanity which the organisation is known for around the world.

Other dignitaries who spoke at the event which started on Thursday include the first civilian governor of Anambra State Dr Chukwuemeka Ezeife, former governor of Akwa Ibom State and Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Godswill Akpabio, former governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi and others.

Highlights of the event include musical concert, women, men and youth rallies, novelty football match between the Super Eagles veterans team and The Salvation Army team which went one goal in favour of the former, and the commissioning (ordination) of 22 new Officers (pastors) of the organisation, among many other events.

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