THE roar of thousands of worshippers reverberated. Dignitaries lost their composure. The youth and elderly cast off restraint. It was all night worship and praise at the yearly gospel concert, The Experience, one of Africa's biggest musical events.
Speaking at the event in a live broadcast, President Jonathan, urged Nigerians to offer more prayers to God to make Nigeria a better and greater nation.
"It is indeed a privilege and a joy to bring greetings to you on this marvelous Experience evening. There is no denying the fact that the year 2012 has been a challenging one for us all. Yet it is a testament to the indomitable spirit that characterises Nigeria and Nigerians that across the length and breadth of the nation, we still gather in our communities to thank God for his many mercies upon us," he said.
Jonathan said, "Undoubtedly, the task of building a great nation is immense. The road ahead of us will have its trials and will require a measure of sacrifice from all of us, but the journey to greatness is never easy and there are no short cuts. All across the world, nations have their difficulties. In spite of this, however, today is a great day to be a Nigerian."
While commending the spirit of unity and purpose the event has established among Nigerians since it debuted on December 1, 2006, the President said, "It fills my heart with excitement to know that hundreds of thousands of Nigerians from across the nation are united tonight in purpose here at the very site of our Independence, Tafawa Balewa Square."
The evening of music, delivered by international and Nigerian recording gospel artistes, featured the likes of The Soweto Spiritual Singers, Deitrick Haddon, Don Moen, Wale Adenuga, Sammie Okposo, Mike Aremu, Timi Dakolo, Chevelle Franklyn, Micah Stampley, Israel Houghton, Fred Hammond and Michelle Williams, among others.
