By Ovie Okpare
As Nigeria continues to wish for economic recovery and fruitful reforms, over 1,000 Christians leaders including the member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Rev. Francis Ejiroghene Waive, on Thursday took Nigeria’s challenges to God in prayers.
Waive and the Christian leaders said the myriad of challenges currently confronting the country can be surmounted if Nigerians turn to God in prayers and adhere to His commands as enshrined in the Holy Bible.
The Christian leaders, who also took turn to pray for President Bola Tinubu and members of the Federal Executive Council and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, assured that God is already intervening in the socio-economic challenges in the country.
They urged Nigerians to continue to pray for Nigeria and her leaders to make the right decisions and laws that would usher in progress and development of the country.
The Rev. Waive’s Annual Day of Prayer, which attracted Christian leaders from all five blocs of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), including the Catholic Secretariat of Nigeria, Christian Council of Nigeria, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), OAIC, and ECWA/COCIN, was held at the Ughelli Kingdom Hall in Ughelli, Delta State.
The Rev. Waive’s Annual Day of Prayer is an annual gathering of Christian leaders where pastors and Christians pray for Nigeria, her President, Urhoboland, Delta State and the people Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency.
The prayer session is organised by the member representing Ughelli North, Ughelli South and Udu Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives and House Committee chairman on Rules and Business, Rev. Francis Ejiroghene Waive. The prayer session holds January every year.
The clerics, who also prayed for Rev Waive, commended the federal lawmaker for representing the body of Christ with dignity and honesty in the Nigerian political space and attracting development to his constituency.
Waive, who also the founder and senior pastor of the Church of the Anointing at Enerhen in Uvwie, Delta State, is a second term member of the House of Representatives on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC).
They also pass a vote of confidence and declared their unflinching support for his political aspirations, stating they would mobilize their church members to vote for him, irrespective of the political platform in future elections.
“You have brought no reproach to the name of Christ in your political career. We are proud of the positive impact you continue to make, not just in your constituency but in the nation at large,” the Christian leaders affirmed.
Prayers were also offered for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, with clergymen commending Rev Waive for fostering harmonious relationships with both state and federal governments.
Rev Julius Fovie, speaking to newsmen after the session, reflected on the significance of the gathering: “When we started this prayer session in 2019, some mocked us, saying clergymen have no voter influence. Today, those same people now beg for prayers. Rev Waive should continue to be strong and do exploits.”
On his part Rev Sunday Oghenechovwe thanked God for keeping his servant and expressed faith that God will continue to keep him. Rev Emmanuel Eredoro urged Rev Waive to continue to raise the bar in quality representation and good governance.
These leaders pledged to make the Day of Prayers an annual tradition while committing to continuous prayers for Rev Waive in their respective churches and homes.
Speaking at the prayer session, Rev. Waive thanked the men of God and the Christian community for their unwavering support for his political journey.
He assured them of his commitment to better representation and governance by the grace of God. “Your prayers and encouragement inspire me to continue serving our people and raising the bar for effective representation,” Rev Waive stated.
The 2025 Day of Prayers exemplified the unity of the Church and its pivotal role in governance, with clergymen reaffirming their belief in the power of prayers and collective effort to sustain good leadership.
The prayer session featured notable Christian leaders, including Very Rev. Fr. Jesuovie Ogagavwodia, Archbishop Solomon Gbakara, Archbishop T.E. Obie, Ven Azugo, Ven Kpangban, Ven B.A.C. Awaritoma, Pastor Gab Onobiokor, Bishop Idoro, Bishop Chris Okoh, Rev D.P.O. Sotu, Rev Julius Fovie, Rev Gilbert Ogifo, and among others.
