The Nigeria at 65 Independence Day Interdenominational Prayer Programme ended in the early hours of Wednesday, October 1, 2025, with resounding praise, heartfelt intercessions, and prophetic declarations that left participants renewed in hope for a better Nigeria.
The all-night vigil, themed “Let Thy Kingdom Come”, was jointly organized by the Men’s Missionary Union (MMU) of New Heritage Baptist Church, Eniosa, Ibadan, the Global Christians International Prayer Ministry, and the Grassroots and Development Journalists Association of Nigeria (GDJAN).
Held at the New Heritage Baptist Church auditorium, the event commenced at 10:00 PM Tuesday and concluded at 6:00 AM Wednesday, drawing ministers of the gospel, journalists, traditional leaders, political stakeholders, and worshippers from across the region.
The high point of the vigil came when the host minister, Reverend Philemon Olufemi Ajide, surrounded by other ministers, began to mention Nigeria’s leaders by name, prophesying into their lives one after the other.
Intercessions were offered for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu—that God would endow him with divine wisdom, strength, and vision to lead the nation to greatness. Similar prayers were lifted for Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, seeking God’s guidance for him and his team in steering the state toward continued peace and progress. Chief Bayo Adelabu,Senator Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, Senator Yinus Akintunde, Senator Fatai Buhari, Hon. Adedeji Stanley Olajide, Hon. Remi Oseni and others were all prayed for.
Special prayers were also raised for Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, asking God to grant him greater achievements, stabilize the state’s economy, protect his life, and continually give him reasons to rejoice in God’s presence.
Traditional leadership was not left out, as the ministers interceded for the newly crowned Olubadan of Ibadanland, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja Arusa I, praying for long life, peaceful reign, and accelerated development in Ibadan and Yorubaland. Other royal fathers across the country were also remembered.
Targeted Sessions of National Intercession
The vigil was structured into focused sessions, with each minister leading in different areas:
Pastor Okeleye prayed against terrorism, kidnapping, ritual killings, cultism, and other social vices, seeking God’s protection over Nigeria’s citizens.
Pastor Adeoye interceded for total economic revival, agriculture, industries, and innovation, while also praying for a turnaround in the health and education sectors.
Rev. Bisi Ibitoye led prayers for national leaders, including legislators, ministers, and security chiefs, asking God for wisdom and selfless service.
Pastor Osundele dedicated the session to traditional rulers, with special focus on the Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Mr. Tunde Peter Oyekan prayed for favourable weather, abundant harvests, and protection against floods, droughts, and disasters.
The NHBC Choir, under the leadership of Mrs. Mojisola Oyelekan and Mrs. Wumi Zainab Bakare, composed and performed inspirational songs based on the event’s theme. Their spirit-filled renditions moved the congregation to thunderous applause and deep worship.
The special session from 2:15 AM to 4:15 AM featured choir ministrations, exhortation by Rev. Ajide, and a corporate prophetic declaration over Nigeria led by all the ministers. The atmosphere was electric with faith, as worshippers joined hands in prayer for the nation’s rebirth.
The organizers used the opportunity to appreciate prominent supporters who made the programme a success through their financial and moral backing. Otunba Rotimi Ajanaku, Chief Benedict Akika, and Otunba Adewale Atoloye were specially prayed for, with ministers asking God to enlarge their coasts, strengthen them in health and wealth, and reward them abundantly for their generosity.
The vigil ended with closing hymns, benediction, and the sharing of food and drinks to break the fast as participants departed. Many described the programme as “a spiritual rebirth for Nigeria at 65”, expressing confidence that the prophetic words spoken would soon manifest in the nation’s affairs.
