The fourth edition of the Annual Lagos Praise programme, an initiative of the First Family of Lagos State, Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu and his wife, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu took place on Tuesday at the Banquet Hall of Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja.
The event, themed “Sing and Praise Him for His Victory”, was attended by top government functionaries, religious leaders, members of COWLSO, Graceful Ladies, friends, and well-wishers, among others.
In her address at the Lagos Praise event, the wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. Mrs. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu expressed profound gratitude to God for His unwavering faithfulness and boundless mercies in the lives of Lagosians and the state’s journey toward excellence.
She noted the remarkable evolution of the Monthly Praise and Prayer Sessions, initiated by the First Family in 2019 into the annual Lagos Praise event, which has become a significant statewide celebration fostering unity and heartfelt worship among the body of Christ.
The First Lady recounted the origin of the initiative, highlighting its establishment as a collaborative platform for the First Family, Graceful Ladies, and the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), in conjunction with the five blocs of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Lagos State.
This platform, she said, has consistently served to unite Christians across the state in praise and intercession for divine intervention in governance, peace and development.
She quoted Psalms 67:3 and Psalms 22:3, underscoring the biblical assurance of God inhabiting the praises of His people and the transformative power of worship.
The First Lady also reminisced about the milestones of past editions of Lagos Praise, saying that this year’s edition, themed “Sing and Praise Him for Victory,” taken from 2 Chronicles 20:21-22, speaks to the assurance of victory which Lagos has regardless of its numerous challenges.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu reiterated the inclusive nature of Lagos Praise, which draws participants from the five administrative divisions of Lagos State – Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja, Lagos Island, and Epe (IBILE).
In his contribution, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Lagos State Chapter, Rt. Rev. (Dr.) Stephen Adegbite seized the opportunity of the Lagos Praise event to plead with the residents, especially the youth, to shun any act of violent protest.
While leading the participants in a prayer session for the President, the Governor, his Deputy, Lawmakers, and Lagosians as a whole, the CAN Chairman prayed that Nigeria and Lagos State would continue to witness unprecedented growth and development, guided by the power of praise and unity.
Reflecting on the scriptural foundation of praise, Bishop Adegbite emphasised the significance of praising God as a catalyst for divine presence and intervention.
The high point of the event was the special presentation made by students of Pacelli School for the Blind, Paul Tao-El-Shaddai, and the mass choir performance. Special performances by guest artistes included Funmi Sax-Olu Joshua.
Participants at the Lagos Praise event were thrilled by good gospel tunes and also led into a mood of inspirational worship by Funmi Olu-Joshua, popularly known as Funmi Sax, who set the atmosphere with her eulogical renditions of praise and worship.
The gathering, which saw the participation of the five blocs of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Lagos, was a testament to the power of unity and faith.
The event was attended by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, some members of the State Executive Council, the Body of Permanent Secretaries, heads of parastatals, medical associations, members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants, magistrates, and many others.
AA/TMS/KO
