By Tosin Omoniyi

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo ,at a packed Christian gathering on Tuesday in Abuja, said he had been told by another minister that he would be vice president about three years ago, but he laughed it off.

Osinbajo spoke briefly at a welcome and thanksgiving service held in his honor by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Region 10 Family at the massive Masters Place in Utako.

Osinbajo who expressed his happiness at the love shown to him by the RCCG household since he became vice president assured the church that he was only on loan to the federal government and would soon come back into active service in the church as soon as possible.

Osinbajo is the pastor in charge of Province 8, Jesus Centre, Lagos.

Osinbajo said Nigerian Christians, more than ever, need to pray for the success of the country, especially with one of them in the current administration.

“I was told three years ago that I would be the vice president but I laughed it off. If someone had even told me last year by this time I would think that person was being funny. But here I am today. It is by God’s mercy. Now you have one of your own there now. You owe us your prayers. Pray for this administration. If it is well for us it is well for Nigeria. Our elevation is only a signpost for the elevation of you all and indeed Nigerians,” Osinbajo said.

Earlier, the regional evangelist, TJ Kalejaiye who represented the General Overseer of the RCCG, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, said the VP, whom he has known for long, is full of grace and will serve Nigerians.

Kalejaiye, who incidentally was the one who predicted the professor’s elevation three years ago, spoke on the theme, ‘The Power of Thanksgiving.’

He said anyone who relies on God’s grace like Osinbajo would never suffer disgrace and when Nigerians continue to thank God for his mercies over the nation, God will be thrilled to do even more for the country.

He prophesied that the glory of the nation would be restored under the current administration in no distant time.

Pastor in charge of Region 10, Adebayo Ibitayo who put together the welcome event itemized three reasons for the gathering.

“We wanted to thank God for the elevation of one of our own. One can be democratically elected but if not divinely selected he will just see the throne and not get there. We also want to formally welcome the new vice president of the republic and express our support. We equally wanted to honor a vessel of honor in God’s hands,” Ibitayo said.

At the gathering special prayer were said for the nation, the administration and the Osinbajo’s family.

He was also presented with a life sized portrait of him and his wife including a 26 version Bible and colorful attires by the Abuja RCCG family.

Present at the event were hundreds of pastors from all the 14 provinces in the region which comprises of Abuja, Niger and Nassarawa.