BY BUKOLA BARDI
Residents of Akure, Ondo state erupted in jubilation this morning as they crossed over to the new year, 2024.
The people who converged on different worship centres in large numbers, wore beautiful attires and were full of thanks to God for seeing the new year in spite of all challenges.
The cross over service commenced with thanksgiving and dovetailed into a prayer session for individuals, Ondo state and Nigeria but at exactly midnight, the shout of “Happy new year” rent the air with everyone singing, dancing and praising God for ushering them into the new year peacefully.
At the St Thomas’s Anglican Church Isinkan, Akure, the vicar in charge, Venerable Thompson Akinboro harped on the need for people to walk with God and allow him direct their paths in the new year for a remarkable turnaround.
At St David’s Anglican Church ijomu Akure, the presiding priest, Venerable Ope Kujero urged Nigerians to be prayerful and move closer to God so as to overcome any travail that may come their way this year.
The cross over service was also held at Prayer and divine covenant minstry ilekun, Oda Road Akure, where Pastor Remi Adesunmoye advised Christians to seek first the kingdom of God, work hard and seek guidance in the new year.
The clerics implored Nigerians not to relent in praying for their leaders saying God had many blessings for the country in 2024.
In separate interviews with Radio Nigeria, Two Residents, Mr Olorunfemi Akinaanu and Mrs Bisi Ogunsola who were elated about the new year prayed that it would be their best year ever.
The streets of Akure became a beehive of activities after the cross over service as some residents especially youths organised parties on major roads to celebrate the new year.