The Christian Association of Nigeria(CAN) presented a certificate of excellence as a parting gift to President Olusegun Obasanjo.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Archbishop Peter Akinola, made the presentation at a Presidential Inauguration and Thanksgiving Service at the National Christian Centre (NCC), Abuja.
Archbishop Akinola, who is also the President of CAN, acknowledged the performance of Obasanjo in the last eight years as President of Nigeria, gave him a pass mark and also presented him with a bible.
‘Within these eight years Obasanjo has accomplished a lot of things in the country, including the unity of the country as well as in the area of economic reforms,' he said.
Archbishop Akinola also thanked Obasanjo for his contribution which made the completion of the NCC, which he described as ‘magnificent edifice’ possible.
‘We thank God for his contributions and most importantly, he is one of us whether in office or out of government,' he added.
The Primate also presented a copy of the Holy Bible to the Vice-President-elect, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, as a congratulatory gift.
Archbishop Akinola urged Jonathan to read it always and allow it to guide his thoughts and actions.
He stated that if he allowed the word of God to guide his actions and thoughts he would never be found wanting.
Archbishop Akinola also seized the opportunity to explain that the Aso Rock Chapel now belonged to CAN and not to the Presidency. He said that CAN had instituted aboard of trustees to run the chapel with the president of CAN as the chairman.
He added that with departure of Obasanjo as patron of the chapel, Jonathan now becomes the patron.
In his response, Obasanjo thanked all Nigerians "both those who supported us and those who criticised us.'
He prayed that God would guide the incoming administration to correct any mistakes the past one had made and improve on the good works done.
He also prayed that the incoming administration would evolve policies that would better the lives of Nigerians.
The News Agency of (NAN) reports that many dignitaries including ministers, members of the diplomatic corps as well as ordinary Nigerians graced the occasion.
Item from: The Church of Nigeria