The visioner of Christ Ambassadors Soul Winners Ministries International, Cardinal James Odunmbaku, has urged Nigerians to always express gratitude to God, despite the situation in the country. He passed this message at the just-concluded 21st Annual Crusade and Prayer for Lagos State and Nigeria programme organized by Christ Ambassadors Soul Winners Ministries International, held at the ministry’s City of David Solution Ground in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos. The vigil event featured intercessory prayers by some prominent and interdenominational ministers of God against violence and bloodshed in Nigeria.

Cardinal James Odunmbaku, in his message on the theme of the event, ‘Gratitude & Praise’, expressed gratitude and praise to God with reference to Psalm 147:1. He said praises excite God and make Him hear prayers. He admonished Nigerians to know how to give thanks to God, highlighting that the ability to sleep and wake up is one reason to praise God at all times, despite the situation in the country.

The revered cleric profoundly thanked God for the 21st Annual Crusade and Pray for Lagos and Nigeria programme. He reflected on the challenges of organizing this year’s event and noted a song that inspired him. He remarked that people from all walks of life, including pastors and imams attending the yearly prayer crusade, are committed to peace in Lagos State and Nigeria generally. The cardinal praised God for the endurance in organising the crusade over the years, with reference to Colossians 1:12. He acknowledged the presence of Muslim representatives, including an imam, at this year’s all-night prayer and praise crusade.

Bishop Emmanuel Ehidero, the chairman of Christ Ambassadors Soul Winners Ministries, opened the floodgates of the all-night powerful prayers and praise event that attracted thousands of interdenominational Christian worshippers, Muslim faithful, clerics, and traditional rulers to the capacity-filled Solution Ground.

After leading the mammoth congregation in a resounding shout of ‘Halleluyah’ 21 times in appreciation to God for the 21 years of the annual crusade, Bishop Ehidero said reaching 21 years was significant as a mark of full adulthood. He described the 21 years of the crusade and prayer for Lagos and Nigeria as special, unique, and divinely ordained for celebrating the Almighty God through Christ Jesus. Following the 21 hallelujahs, he encouraged the congregants to declare that the coming year 2026 will be greater with their names associated with success.

Bishop Ehidero welcomed all the distinguished guests at the event. “This includes our father in the Lord, Cardinal James Odunmaku, the General Overseer of Christ Ambassadors Soul Winners Ministries; Rev. Esther Ajayi, the General Overseer of Love of Jesus Ministries; Archbishop/Prophetess Professor Mary Ajisafe, the Presiding Overseer of Peace of God Apostolic & Prophetic Ministries; and Rev. Joseph Adelakun, the President of AYEWA Gospel Music International. The Reverend Prophetess from the UK is also welcomed for traveling to grace the occasion. The royal fathers from Ogun and Ondo states are acknowledged. All your eminences, the pastor from the Redeemed Christian Church of God, our mothers Celestial, Mummy Oshofa and Mummy Bada, you are all welcome.” Ehidero also welcomed all the prophets, prophetesses, and bishops at the occasion. He significantly acknowledged the representative of the Governor of Lagos State and Special Advisor on Religious (Christian) Matters among other dignitaries.

Archbishop/Prophetess Professor Mary Ajisafe, the Presiding Overseer of Peace of God Apostolic & Prophetic Ministries, kicked off the night of powerful intercessory prayers for peace in Lagos and Nigeria in general. The very prayerful and anointed prophetess and worshipper began by expressing gratitude to God, acknowledging that the presence and abilities of all the participants were not by their power or might, but by the Spirit. She exhalted God as the King of Kings, who she said made it possible for the participants across ethnic groups and religious faiths (Christians and Muslims) to come together as Nigerians to pray for peace in the country.

Archbishop Ajisafe then led the mammoth congregation in a powerful intercessory prayer to God to heal Nigeria and avert war and bloodshed in the country. She advised those beating the drums of war in the country to have a change of heart, warning that the devastating effects of wars do not spare anyone. She vehemently prayed against outbreak of ethnics and religious violence and bloodshed in Nigeria, and prayed to God to resist those she called warmongers from destroying Nigeria.

Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi, the General Overseer of Love of Jesus Ministry, took her turn after Ajisafe in intercessory prayers for peace to reign in Lagos and Nigeria. She began by blessing the name of the Lord, exhalting Him in various attributes like ‘to Him alone who can do exceedingly, abundantly above all we can ever ask or think according to the power that is working in us.” The amiable Reverend Mother soaked the huge congregation in sweat with powerful intercessory and healing prayers for Lagos State and Nigeria as a whole, as well as for the country’s leadership.

Rev. Mother Ajayi commended the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the President of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for their efforts in moving Lagos State and Nigeria forward, respectively. He prayed to God to grant the two leaders wisdom, good health, and a sound mind to succeed in their respective offices. Ajayi also commended the host, Cardinal James Odunmaku, for his consistency in organizing the annual intercessory prayer programme for Lagos and Nigeria for 21 years on. A couple of other anointed ministers of God from different Christian denominations, as well as an Islamic cleric (Imam), raised voices of intercessory prayers for peace and aversion of violence and bloodletting in Lagos and Nigeria at large.

Aside from the powerful intercessory prayers, the crusade also featured intermittent praise and worship song ministrations by the Christ Ambassadors Soul Winners Ministries International mass choir. In addition to the mass choir ministrations, the legendary gospel music minister, Rev. Joseph Adelakun and his AYEWA Gospel Band International, charged the participants with healing, deliverance, and restoration gospel songs. The legendary singer performed some of his evergreen songs that threw the entire congregation into a frenzy of joy, dancing, and praises unto God.