May 19, 2014
Women groups and faith-based organisations converged on Abuja on Monday to pray and fast for the release of the schoolgirls abducted in Chibok, Borno State, on April 14 by the Boko Haram sect, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.
NAN reports that the session is organised by the First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan’s pet project, the Women for Change Development and Initiative.
National Coordinator of the project, Hajiya Rabi Ibrahim, told NAN that “the seven-day event is part of the first lady’s vision to seek God’s face and intervention for the nation.”
She added, “As the President of the African First Ladies Peace Mission, she has engendered peace, not only in Nigeria, but also on the continent.
“Jonathan has organised this prayer session for women, including Muslims and Christians, as a unity platform for us to pray for the safe return of our girls.
“It is also for us to pray for God to bring an end to terrorism and restore peace in our country.”
One of the participants, Hajia Fatima Ahmed, commended the first lady for organising the session.
Ahmed said although God could still answer when one prays alone, “the session will further create and encourage understanding between the two main religions.’’
Ahmed said, “We are praying for the same purpose, the aim is for the safe return of our girls and lasting peace in our land. Who does not want peace?’’
Also, Mrs Christian Oke said when everything seemed not to work, it was only proper that such challenges be taken to God in prayers.
NAN