We Must Keep Praying For Nigeria -Jonathan, Wike …Celebrate Dr John Kennedy Opara At 50

The former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan and Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, yesterday, urged citizens to keep praying for the country despite the challenges of the present time.
Both leaders, who spoke at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Umuopara, Nguru in the Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State, during a service marking the 50th birthday anniversary of a former Chairman of Nigeria Pilgrims Commission, Dr John Kennedy Opara, urged the citizens to keep praying for Nigeria.
Jonathan specifically described the celebrant as his friend, who believes in the indivisibility of the country.
The former president said that Opara had devoted his life working for the advancement of Nigeria.
Former President Goodluck Jonathan, his wife, Dame Patience Jonathan and Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike had joined other prominent Nigerians to celebrate Dr John Kennedy Opara as he celebrated his 50th Birthday.
The former executive secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission and his wife also dedicated their twins as part of the celebration.
The 50th Birthday/Child Dedication of the former Executive Secretary, National Christian Pilgrims Commission, Dr. John Kennedy Opara, took place at St Mary’s Catholic Parish, Umuopara Obetiti Nguru, Aboh Mbaise LGA Imo State, yesterday.
Speaking further, Jonathan said that John Kennedy Opara was an asset to the country, adding that the former Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission executive secretary was a dependable ally, with immense capacity for public relations.
He said that Opara has cultivated friendship across all the strata of the society to the extent that even those who hate him are not his enemies.
Jonathan said that John Kennedy Opara played a key role in the formal establishment of the Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, explaining that it was on the premise that he nominated Opara to Yar’Adua for appointment as executive secretary.
Also speaking, the Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Wike described the celebrant as a man of character.
Represented by his Chief of Staff, Engr Chukwuemeka Woke, Wike said: “John Kennedy Opara is a dependable person and a man of character. During the last elections, so many people deserted the state due to Federal Might, but John Kennedy Opara stood by us.
“At our very darkest moments, he was there. He is a man you can call a friend. That is why the Rivers State governor is represented here. He is very loyal, sociable and all a man of character.”
Also, the Anglican Primate of Nigeria, Bishop Nicolas Okoh, said that the clergy had a duty of praying for the country.
In a remark, former Executive Secretary of Nigeria Christian Pilgrims Commission, Dr John Kennedy Opara thanked God for his blessing and protection, saying that his friendship with Wike will continue to blossom, noting that the governor is a great man.
The Birthday/Child Dedication attracted prominent Nigerians from all walks of life.