Pastor calls for National Thanksgiving Day

Emeka Ibemere

A call has been made to National Assembly and to the Federal Government to set aside a day in the national calendar for a ‘Thanks-Giving Day’ ceremony as a day for national appreciation to God for keeping the nation one in spite of threats to peace and unity of the country.

A Clergy and senior pastor of the Pentecostal Restoration Church, PRC, at Oshodi, Lagos State made the appeal while delivery sermon at the church auditorium last Sunday in Lagos.

According to Reverend Simple Maduako Celestine (SMC), Nwosu, the call is necessary following signs of cracks on the unity of the nation, so as to bring the country back intact to God. Nwosu therefore called on the National Assembly to move motion in the floor of the House and the Senate to declare a day as Nigeria’s Annual Thanksgiving Day celebration in the calendar. “A day is supposed to be set aside to give God thanks for His goodness, grace and mercy upon this country”, he added.

“A day where all Nigerians irrespective of religion, tribe or status will come together in groups as may be decided by the federal government and the National Assembly as a day of worship, praise, thanksgiving to Almighty God for keeping this nation as one despite traces of clamour for disunity and insecurity”.

Preaching on the topic: ‘Thanksgiving and You’ Reverend Nwosu explained that man was created to serve, worship and gives thanksgiving to God on daily basis, a rule that is sacrosanct. Explaining further, Nwosu picked his homily from Psalms 103 Verses 1-2 where he reads: “Bless the Lord Oh! My soul and all that is within me bless His Holy name, Forget not all his benefits while Psalms 105 verses 1; Oh give thanks unto the Lord, Call upon His name, make known His deeds among the people”. According to Nwosu, Psalms 92; 1-2 says Give thanks unto the Lord and sing praises unto Him.

The Reverend questioned why the country mapped out some days in the calendar as; Democracy Day, Mothers’ and Fathers’ Day, Malaria Day, Cancer Day and Horn Free Days. But wouldn’t have a day set aside for a day as ‘Thanksgiving Day to God’.

According to SMC Nwosu, as far back as 1795, when America set out November 1, as their national Thanksgiving Day it has remained till date. “America has started it as far back as 1795 when their then President George Washington introduced January 1^st as their Thanksgiving Day, they have been observing it till today even when it was later changed to 19^th February, which also was observed for while” he observed.

“In 1863, Abraham Lincoln brought out 3^rd October as their national Thanksgiving Day and it didn’t last long until President Henry Lawrence brought out November 1^st and it has been an annual event till date”. Nwosu alluded that the prosperity of American nation was because they choose one day out in their calendar to bless the name of God. “No wonder America has been a blessed country,” he quipped.