The outgoing chairman of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC) in Kwara state, Pastor Moses Popoola, has identified price regulation and community policing as keys to stabilizing the socioeconomic development of the country.
Pastor Popoola also urged the federal government to take urgent steps to curb inflation and insecurity.
Speaking at the inauguration of new OAIC officers, themed, A New Dawn, the cleric commended private sector efforts to reduce petrol prices but lamented that the benefits had yet to reflect in the cost of essential goods.
“The President Bola Ahmed Tinubu should regulate prices to ensure Nigerians truly benefit from economic changes. The price of petrol has dropped, but has anyone reduced the price of their goods? These are the gaps the government must bridge”, he said.
Speaking on the security situation in the country, the cleric acknowledged government’s at addressing the issue, saying that more efforts are needed to be put.
“I won’t say the government is not trying, but they can do better. Let us embrace community policing because local security personnel understand their environment and can respond faster to threats”, he said.
Pastor Popoola also called for increased recruitment into security agencies to address the nation’s security challenges.
He urged Nigerian leaders to reflect on past administrations, seek wise counsel, and prioritize policies that will improve citizens’ welfare.
Also speaking, the newly elected chairman of the OAIC Kwara state Chapter, Evangelist Thomas Oluleye Adeboye, assured members of an inclusive administration that will foster unity among different church denominations.
Speaking after his inauguration as the fourth chairman of the state chapter, Adeboye expressed gratitude to God, describing his emergence as divine.
“This position is a divine arrangement, and I accept it with full responsibility. My heart overflows with gratitude to God for making this day possible,” he said.
Adeboye, a member of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), noted that his election marked the first time in 26 years that OAIC leadership in Kwara would return to his church. He admitted initial reluctance to accept the nomination due to internal politics but embraced the role after seeking divine guidance.
“I first rejected the offer out of fear, but after praying, I realized that leadership is a responsibility given from above,” he stated, quoting John 4:27: ‘A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.’
Evangelist Adeboye outlined his vision for the organization, vowing to introduce reforms that will enhance its visibility in Kwara State.
“My leadership will focus on development projects, seminars, crusades, and conventions that will make OAIC a household name in Kwara State. We will promote unity among denominations and uphold the OAIC constitution,” he assured.
He emphasized that church registration under OAIC would follow due process, warning against fraudulent practices.
Adeboye also cautioned OAIC representatives in the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) to remain active in OAIC activities or risk losing their positions.
“All OAIC members serving in CAN must be committed to our meetings and responsibilities. Anyone failing to do so will be withdrawn from their CAN position,” he warned.
Adeboye urged OAIC members to support his administration with prayers, constructive criticism, and ideas that will strengthen the organization.
As he begins his tenure, Adeboye called on OAIC members to embrace love, unity, and selflessness, quoting John 13:34-35: ‘By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye love one another.’
The Youth Wing Leader of OAIC, Oyeniyi Seun, expressed appreciation for the opportunity to serve and reassured members of their commitment to progress.
“This administration will be inclusive, and we are dedicated to moving the organization forward,” he said.
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