In a significant address to the nation, prominent Nigerian religious leaders have issued a powerful call for increased patriotism and civic responsibility, while reaffirming the Church's commitment to supporting vital sectors like education and healthcare.
A Call for Peace and National Unity
Archbishop Taiwo Akinola of Rhema Christian Church and Tower International in Otta, Ogun State, has passionately appealed to Nigerians to reject any activities that could destabilize the country and escalate political tensions. He delivered this message during the opening of the church's 34th convention, which also marked its 34th anniversary, held under the theme ‘The God of All Possibilities.’
Archbishop Akinola warned that if Nigeria were to descend into a state of war, a vast number of citizens would have nowhere to seek refuge. He specifically directed his message to the youth, urging them not to allow themselves to be used as tools by self-serving politicians to instigate crisis. He emphasized that such politicians often have escape routes planned for themselves after creating chaos.
During the event, which commenced on November 2 and ran for a week, the Archbishop also offered prayers for the restoration of Nigeria's former glory.
Massive Investment in Youth Development Urged
Archbishop Akinola placed a strong emphasis on the potential of Nigerian youth, describing them as divine assets rather than a burden. He called on all tiers of government—federal, state, and local—to invest heavily in programs designed to empower young people.
His recommendations included:
- Massive investment in vocational training.
- Widespread digital skills acquisition programs.
- Support for entrepreneurship and mentorship.
- Integration of value-based education.
He argued that such investments would not only boost employment rates but also equip the youth to become job creators, fundamentally shifting the national economic landscape. To institutionalize this, he urged the government to restructure the school curriculum at all educational levels to make vocational training and entrepreneurship compulsory subjects.
Concluding the week-long convention, Akinola stressed the need for a collaborative effort between the Federal Government, the private sector, and faith-based institutions to unlock the vast potential of young Nigerians and restore hope across the nation.
Resolving the ASUU Strike and Education Funding
The Archbishop also waded into the ongoing crisis in the nation's university system, calling on the Federal Government to find a lasting solution to the frequent strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
He pointed to the recent nationwide warning strike in October and the threat of an indefinite strike as actions that have once again disrupted academic activities for thousands of students. He attributed the root of the problem to decades of unresolved funding and welfare disputes, which have significantly weakened the country's public universities.
"We urge both government and unions to put the future of our children first," he stated. "Education must be treated as a sacred trust — adequately funded, efficiently managed, and free from endless disruptions."
To rebuild a strong and credible educational system, Archbishop Akinola advocated for Nigeria to commit 15–26 per cent of its yearly budget to education, in line with the recommendations of UNESCO.
Church's Pledge to Nation Building
In a related development, Professor Cletus Orgu, the Provost of Life Theological Seminary in Ikorodu, has assured the Nigerian government of the Church's continuous support in providing quality education and healthcare services. He noted that the government cannot shoulder these responsibilities alone.
Professor Orgu made this statement during a press briefing to announce the commemoration of the seminary's 70th anniversary. The anniversary, with the theme ‘70 Years of Training Men and Women for Effective Ministry,’ will be marked by several activities on November 8, including an inaugural anniversary lecture, a thanksgiving service, honorary doctoral awards, and the launch of a Festschrift in his honour as the outgoing Provost.
He stated that credit should be given to the Church for its relentless contributions to nation-building, particularly in the areas of quality education and healthcare delivery. Highlighting the seminary's own community development projects, Orgu mentioned, "In addition to that, this seminary has been providing water for our immediate community and has made available a computer to the police station. We also painted their office among others."
Founded in 1955 under the visionary leadership of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Professor Orgu described the 70th anniversary as a milestone of grace, growth, and global relevance. He underscored the institution's continued commitment to producing spiritually grounded, theologically sound, and mission-driven leaders for the nation and beyond.
