The zonal pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Everlasting Light Parish, Abuja, Pastor David Okoror, has urged Nigerian leaders to use power as a shield to protect citizens rather than as a sword to dispossess them. He made the call on Sunday, October 25, in Abuja during the church's Yoruba Cultural Sunday celebration, themed: "Our culture is not evil and should not die."
Challenges and the Call for Gratitude
Okoror, who is also a security expert, acknowledged that Nigeria is currently facing challenges on all fronts, but maintained that the nation must still find reasons to thank God. "Nigeria currently, a lot of things seem to be very wrong. We have challenges everywhere. But the Bible commands us in 1 Thessalonians 5:18 that in all things we should give thanks," he said.
He noted that despite insecurity, unemployment and other difficulties, Nigerians should thank God that the country remains one nation and is not at war.
Celebrating Yoruba Culture for Unity
According to Okoror, the church chose to celebrate the Yoruba race as an example of reasons to thank God for Nigeria, citing the achievements of the Yoruba people in education, medicine, industry and professionalism across the world. He said the celebration of one ethnic group by people from diverse backgrounds demonstrated the unity needed to address national challenges.
"Today we are celebrating the Yoruba culture, but the Igbo man is here, the Edo man is here. I am not Yoruba, but I am wearing agbada and a Yoruba cap. We are going to eat amala, gbegiri and Yoruba food. That is how we promote unity," he said.
Message to Government on Power
On his message to government, the cleric said power was given by God for protection. "My message to government and those who hold power is that they should use power and authority as a shield, as a protection, as a covering for the people. Covering from insecurity, unemployment, hunger and destitution. That is the purpose of power," he said.
He added that when power is misused, the people suffer. "When you use power as a sword, you use it to dispossess the people, you steal from the people, you take away their rights," Okoror said. He assured Nigerians that there was hope if the nation continues to trust in God to navigate its current difficulties. "There is hope, as long as God is on the throne. He will see us through the current challenges and take us to the Promised Land," he said.
Parish Pastor and Lecturer Speak on Culture
The parish pastor, Otumba Oreoluwa Ariba, said the celebration was his own way of appreciating God through Yoruba heritage. He likened the event to the 'Oju de Oba' festival in Ogun state where he hails from, describing it as an avenue to offer God the highest form of quality praise as Christians. "When you praise God, you move Him from His throne. It is the easiest way to get victory, to get answers to prayers and for God to fight your battles," he said.
Dr Bolaji Mejabi, a lecturer at Baze University, Abuja, and chairman of the Organizing Committee, said the event underscored the need to correct misconceptions about African culture. He lamented that many Yoruba children could no longer speak the language, greet elders properly or bear names that reflect their heritage. "Yoruba culture is all about love, unity and respect. We respect our elders and show love. If we revive these values in our homes and schools, it will reflect in governance," he said.
Mejabi urged parents to consciously teach their children how to greet, dress and speak Yoruba, noting that charity begins at home. The event featured cultural dance, drama, gift presentations and traditional delicacies including amala, ewedu, gbegiri, ofada rice and pounded yam. One of the organisers, media consultant Bode Olagoke, said the church had previously celebrated other ethnic groups and would continue to do so to foster national cohesion. Olagoke added that "the church authority came up with such a cultural Sunday to teach younger ones our real culture - culture of respect, meaning of the names they bear, and what we represent as a people."
