By: Idris Olukoya
Some Christian clerics in Badagry on Thursday prayed for the growth and development of the ancient town and advocated peaceful coexistence among religious leaders and members of the community.
The prayers were offered during the Christian Heritage Festival held at the AGIA Tree Monument Centre, in Badagry.
The festival was organised in conjunction with Badagry Local Government.
The event featured a prayer walk, praise and prophetic night, ministerial workshop, free feeding and medical outreach for residents.
Mr Ashamu Fadipe, former Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Arts, Tourism and Culture, said that the AGIA Tree holds historic significance, being the site where Christianity was first preached in Nigeria by Rev. Thomas Birch-Freeman on September 24, 1842.
Fadipe said Rev. Birch-Freeman’s sermon marked the symbolic advent of Christianity in the country.
He added that in 1842, Rev. Henry Townsend of the Anglican Communion joined Freeman, and together they conducted the first Christmas service on December 25, 1842, under the same tree.
Also speaking, Dr Deji Akinlade, a guest minister, prayed for the development of Badagry and urged members not to repent in praying for societal advancement.
Mr Lamidi Surulere, another guest minister, preached the gospel of Christ.
He said that our present generation need to know Christ and live a righteous life.
Also, Mr James Ezun, Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Badagry chapter, called for peaceful coexistence among Christians.
“In unity lies our strength, therefore, let work together in unity, peace and harmony for our nation to grow, ” he said.
Mr Jonathan Odanah, Provincial Chairman, PFN, Badagry chapter, prayed for unity in the Christian faith and its continued growth.
Earlier, Mr Babatunde Hunpe, Chairman, Badagry Local Government, reiterated his administration’s commitment to the growth and sustenance of the Christian Heritage Festival.
He urged Christians to remain united in building the faith for the overall development of Badagry and the nation at large.
Hunpe described Badagry as a land of peace, unity and harmony, stressing the need to preserve such legacies.
According to him, the AGIA Tree Monument Centre remains a spiritual landmark where prayers are answered and where Nigeria’s Christian heritage was first preached and planted.
“This is our own Jerusalem in Badagry where prayers are answered. You don’t need to travel far before God hears you.
“I have prayed at the AGIA Tree Monument Centre and my prayers were granted. Let us all appreciate our heritage and believe in it, ” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the festival, which attracted clerics, tourists, religious leaders and members of the community, was also described by participants as a platform to promote interfaith harmony and showcase the historical relevance of Badagry to the Christian faith.
