Nigeria Turns 60: Hope and Joy Despite Restrictions

Thursday October the 1st, Nigerians celebrated the proclamation of independence from British rule. This year is extra special as it marks 60 years since the country declared independence. Independence Day is a big event, celebrated all over the world. However, it looks a lot different this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Just after midnight on October 1, 1960, in Lagos, Nigeria’s flag was officially holstered for the very first time. A new constitution established a federal system with an elected prime minister and a President as a ceremonial head of state.

The occasion signified the sovereignty and unity of Nigeria’s 36 states and was marked with fireworks, dancing, and a state banquet. Independence Day gives an opportunity for Nigerians to showcase their rich and varied culture. Nigeria is the most populated country in the entire continent of Africa, with 195.9 million citizens. The country has over 520 languages, although it retains English as its official language. Africa’s most populous nation has become a continental cultural powerhouse, boasting the world’s second most productive film industry and globally celebrated music scene.

Low Key Celebrations Due to Restrictions

Nigeria Independence Day looked a lot different this year thanks to the coronavirus pandemic. The Governor of Lagos State has said that the planned parade and other activities that involve the gathering of more than 50 people in commemoration of Nigeria’s Independence are cancelled. The Governor of Ogun State has also imposed a 10pm to 6am curfew on the day of Independence, directing the Police, military and all security agencies to enforce these measures. This year’s celebrations will be held under the official slogan “Together at 60”. Although to mark the occasion, there was a presidential broadcast and a guard of honor and parade in the capital.

Despite the disappointment and various restrictions, because of COVID-19, Christ Embassy celebrated Nigeria’s 60th Independence Anniversary with a colorful carnival with free distribution of Rhapsody of Realities (ROR) across the state. Cross Rivers State, South-South, Nigeria, popularly known as the nation’s paradise was blanketed with green and white colors in celebration of Nigeria’s 60th independence anniversary. Members of Christ Embassy Ministry Center, Calabar, marked the special day in grand style with a road march, distributing numerous copies of the Messenger Angel, Rhapsody of Realities to residents.

In the state’s capital city, Calabar, the Director, Christ Embassy Ministry Center Calabar, the esteemed Pastor Vale Odu-Thomas led the ROR train across the city. With a colorful carnival float and the distribution of free copies of the Rhapsody of Realities, the seed of God’s Word was sown in the hearts of many and several souls were won to Christ. Recipients of free copies of the Rhapsody of Realities, expressed profound gratitude to LoveWorld President, Reverend (Dr.) Chris Oyakhilome, for the special gift of the number one daily devotional, which is guaranteed to alter the course of their lives for good. With the special campaign, Cross River State has been greatly impacted with God’s Word and glorious testimonies are bound to follow.

ReachOut Campaigns

ReachOut Campaigns is a movement which started in 2007 with the aim to reach every man in his world and in his language with the good news of hope and change. This is done through the free distribution of the book- Rhapsody of Realities.

Rhapsody of Realities is not an ordinary book, it is a life guide, containing the message of life, a fresh perspective from God’s word which is guaranteed to bring about a spiritual transformation in the life of the reader, thereby resulting in a definite and tangible physical and all-round change. Testimonies abound from people around the world who study Rhapsody of Realities.

Through ReachOut Campaigns, they are able to impact lives, rewriting the stories of men; one individual at a time, while embarking on humanitarian projects and skill acquisition programs in the communities.

Every year, during national holidays and celebrations in nations around the world, ReachOut Campaigns partners organize the free distribution of Rhapsody of Realities to targeted communities. Some distributions are heralded by major carnivals and festivities, like this one, while the others though marked quietly are equally impactful in changing lives.

Leave a Reply