Pastor Enoch Adeboye, the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has issued a strong call to scholars, policymakers, and church leaders to move beyond theoretical debates and devise actionable strategies to address Nigeria's escalating insecurity. The cleric made the appeal during a goodwill message at the 2026 International Conference on African Pentecostalism, held at Redemption City along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State on Thursday, July 16.
Conference Focuses on Pentecostalism and Insecurity
Represented by Professor Dele Balogun, his Special Adviser on Administration, Adeboye challenged attendees to produce concrete solutions rather than mere academic discourse. The conference, organized by the Redeemed Christian Theological College in partnership with the Departments of Religious Studies at the University of Ibadan and Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, was themed “African Pentecostalism and the Politics of Insecurity in Nigeria.” According to The Punch, the event aimed to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact.
A Defining Moment for Nigeria
In his address, Adeboye emphasized the timeliness of the conference, noting that Nigeria is experiencing a defining moment due to the pervasive security challenges. He stressed that the gathering of scholars, religious leaders, and policymakers must yield practical outcomes that can be implemented at grassroots and national levels. The cleric urged participants to leverage the influence of Pentecostalism to foster peace and stability.
The conference brought together experts from various fields to analyze the intersection of religion, politics, and security. Adeboye’s remarks underscored the urgency of collaborative efforts to combat threats such as banditry, kidnapping, and terrorism, which have plagued many regions of the country. He called for a paradigm shift from rhetoric to action, emphasizing that the church and academia must lead by example.
Call for Tangible Outcomes
Adeboye’s challenge reflects growing frustration among Nigerians over the government's inability to curb violence. By engaging scholars and church leaders, he hopes to catalyze initiatives that complement state security measures. The conference is expected to produce a communiqué outlining recommendations for policy changes and community-based interventions. As insecurity continues to disrupt lives and livelihoods, Adeboye’s demand for practical solutions resonates with many citizens seeking lasting peace.
