The Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, and the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, declared today that contrary to doomsday predictions, Nigeria will not break up in 2015.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2014 Jubilee World Festival of Word of Life Bible Church, Warri, Delta State, which had ‘Arise 2015’ as its theme, Governor Uduaghan said: “No matter the external influence, Nigeria will not break up in 2015.

“There are predictions that Nigeria will break up in 2015, but Nigeria cannot break up in 2015.

“2015 is going to be a challenging year. In 2015, a lot is going to happen, but we shall overcome.”

The governor noted that Nigerians have resolved to remain united as members of a corporate entity, stressing: “We have decided in Nigeria that we shall be one. All the parties in Nigeria have agreed that Nigeria will not break up.”

Uduaghan commended Oritsejafor and the Word of Life Bible Church for organising the Annual Jubilee Festival, which attracts clerics from different parts of the world, stating that the festival has brought blessings to Warri, Delta State and Nigeria.

He said: “Papa is the father of all Christians in Nigeria and this fatherhood is one of the most stressful fatherhoods.

“The stress of protecting Christianity in Nigeria, protecting Christians in Nigeria against those who do not wish us well is not an easy one. There has never been a time in the history of this nation that we are where we are today. We should be on our knees and pray fervently for Papa. He needs our prayers and for people who can go beyond prayers, please do what you can for him to succeed in what he is doing.”

Oritsejafor, in his speech, declared: “Nothing can break up Nigeria.”

He said anybody wishing the break up of the country would not have his desires fulfilled.

The CAN President said that the Jubilee Festival would be sustained annually by God’s grace to win souls for Christ and prepare Christians for the years ahead.

Delivering a sermon at the occasion, UK cleric Bishop Wayne Malcolm admonished Christians to always know that God keeps promises. He stated that there are three levels of spiritual maturity: little children, young men and fathers.

Malcolm added: “As little children, we ask: ‘What can God do for me today?’ Young men will ask: ‘What can God do through me?’, while fathers ask: ‘What can God do for you?’

“It is not about what God can do for me or what God can do through me. Fathers are concerned about you.”

Those who accompanied Uduaghan to the service included the Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Chief Steve Oru; member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Nicholas Mutu; the President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria and Secretary of Peoples Democratic Party in Delta State, Chief Solomon Ogba; the President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Amaju Pinnick; traditional rulers; aspirants for different political offices; and political appointees, among others.

•Photo, courtesy of Urhobo Today, shows Uduaghan and Oritsejafor.