By Abubakar Yunusa
Former Nigerian President Dr Goodluck Jonathan has praised Archbishop John Praise Daniel, the presiding bishop of Dominion Chapel International Church, for his resilience and commitment during his tenure, describing the cleric’s steadfast support as a source of encouragement.
Jonathan made stated this during a worship and thanksgiving service held in Abuja on Sunday to mark the archbishop’s 65th birthday,in Abuja yesterday.
Represented by John-Kennedy Opara, Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Christian Pilgrims Commission, Jonathan highlighted the bishop’s rise in ministry as a testament to hard work, dedication, and fear of God.
Quoting Proverbs 14:23, he said, “The path of the just shines brighter and brighter unto that perfect day.”
He added, “You have touched so many lives, you have inspired so many. Your resilience and commitment to me while I was in service really encouraged me.”
Also ,Senator George Akume, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, represented by Engineer Joseph Utsev, Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation,prayed for a “second chance” for Nigeria and its leadership, urging the congregation to continue praying for President Bola Tinubu and the nation.
“God will give our president a second chance,” he said, expressing hope for divine guidance.
Earlier,Former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Yakubu Dogara, commended President Tinubu’s courage in sustaining the removal of fuel subsidies, a policy he inherited.
Acknowledging the economic hardships faced by many Nigerians, Dogara urged citizens to give Tinubu time to implement his vision before judging his performance ahead of the 2027 elections.
“This is a time for governance. Let’s give this man an opportunity to perform again for some time, and then we can make our judgments,” he said.
In his keynote address,Pastor John Dara, a preacher and politician, described Tinubu’s administration as reformist, arguing that the president’s visionary and courageous leadership required more than four years to yield sustainable results.
He called on Nigerians to unite and support Tinubu for a “landslide election victory” in 2027.
In a chat with journalists on the sidelines of thanksgiving, the celebrant, Archbishop John Praise Daniel, expressed gratitude for God’s preservation over his 65 years, affirming his commitment to continue serving.
“I feel God is giving me energy to do more for Him, for the Kingdom, and for my generation,” he said.
He added that serving God remains his way of life. Reflecting on his 45 years in ministry, he advised young ministers to be patient, assuring them that “where God has destined for you to get to, you will get to.”
Daniel recounted surviving numerous life-threatening incidents, attributing his survival to divine purpose.
“God will only permit me to die if my purpose is done,” he said, referencing the biblical account of David, who served his generation before his death.
