On July, 14 1958, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe led members of the NCNC NEC to make the following prayer at Lagos City College:

“Our father in heaven, we pray that You save us from ourselves. The world that You have made for us to live in peace, we have made into an armed camp. We live in fear of war to come. We are afraid of the terror that flies by night, and the arrow that flies by day, the pestilence that walks in darkness and the destruction that wastes at noonday. We have turned from You to go our selfish way. We have broken Your commandments and denied Your truth. We have left Your altars to serve the false gods of money and pleasure and power. Forgive us and help. Now darkness gathers around us and we are confused in all our counsels. Losing faith in You, we lose faith in ourselves. Inspire us with wisdom, all of us, of every colour, race and creed to use our wealth, our strength, to help our brother, instead of destroying him. Help us do your will as it is done in heaven and to be worthy of your promise of peace on earth. Fill us with new faith, new strength, and new courage, that we may win the battle for peace. Be swift to save us, dear God, before the darkness falls.”