Edo Deputy Governor, Mr Philip Shaibu, on Wednesday advised Christians to pray to God for Nigeria to overcome the security challenges being experienced in some parts of the federation, as they observe the Lenten season.
Shaibu made the remark while delivering a message during the marking of the Ash Wednesday at the Government House Chapel, Benin.
He also urged the faithful to pray, give alms and ask God for the forgiveness of their sins during the period of Lent, to ensure divine favour.
Lent is a solemn religious observance among Christians that begins on Ash Wednesday and ends approximately six weeks later, before Easter Sunday.
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The purpose of Lent is the preparation of the believer for Easter through prayer, doing penance, repentance of sins, alms giving, and self-denial.
Shaibu said:“This is the time we all have to fast and pray that God should touch the hearts of the insurgents and herdsmen, to stop the attack on the people.
“It is also a period of giving alms; God has told all of us that the greatest of his commandments is for us to love our neighbours as ourselves.
“We should not also fail to remember the needy; we should also visit the hospital to show love to those that are sick,” Shaibu said. (NAN)
