Nigeria at 59: Church leaders proffer solution to liberation of Nigeria

The celebration of the 59th anniversary of Nigeria may have come and gone, but the positions of concerned Nigerians, especially Christian leaders, on the need to address pressing issues appear unchanged.

The take of clerics around the country, mostly words of hope and prayers for the nation, was one of the effects that made the celebration memorable.  Some clerics also used the event to address issues affecting the unity of the nation, just as they made recommendations that could put an end to insecurity, among other challenges, in the country.

Tribune Church chronicles some of the opinions of clerics around the country as part of the activities that marked the event.

Primate Rufus Okikiola Ositelu of the Church of the Lord (Prayer Fellowship) Worldwide, advised Nigerian leaders to fight corruption to a standstill, else, corruption might fight back and kill Nigeria.

Ositelu also identified Nigeria’s major problems as endemic corruption, lack of true fiscal federalism, visionary and selfless leadership, infrastructure and credible institutions.

He urged the government to restructure Nigeria into federal units (regional/zonal governments) as quickly as possible.

“Today, we don’t have enough money for development, because we spent too much on politicians. But with parliamentary system and regional/zonal governments, the amount of money spent on the present presidential system will reduce tremendously.

“Then, we shall experience good governance, infrastructural developments and credible institutions,” he added.

Pastor Enoch Adeboye, charged Nigerians, especially the leaders, to look back and behold at the beauty in our diversity and work together to forge a great nation for  future generations.

He also  noted that Nigerians should not be carnal with the liberty of the country, while making reference to the scriptures, “Gal 5:13 says for, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serves one another,” he said.

In his own recommendation, the founder of Christ Apostolic Church, Agbala-Itura, Ibadan, Prophet Samuel Kayode Abiara, craved the indulgence of Nigerian leaders to make the security of the nation a priority, noting that such development would be a symbol of independence that Nigerians would forever appreciate.

He acknowledged that every Nigerian who lived in the country during the pre-independence would recollect that nothing can be compared to safe environment, where any ambition or vision can thrive successfully.

“We must thank God that we’re witnessing 59 years of Nigeria’s independence. We have to appreciate God for that. There have been many developments since independence, though some people may disagree over this. I know that Nigeria is not the same when we were under the British. Nigeria needs God, for today and tomorrow. I believe before we clock 60, God will perform wonders,” he prayed.

Bishop Olumide Emmanuel of Calvary Bible Church, lamented that Nigeria, which ought to be wiser, stronger, wealthy, secure and have taken its rightful place in the comity of nations as the giant of Africa, has refused to take its chances. He, however, expressed confidence that Nigeria’s “dry bones shall rise again.”

Pastor Korede Komaiya said:  “If Nigeria were a human personality, we would be demanding the very best of mentorship from her at 59, in the hope that years of experience will be a pot-pourri of knowledge. But as the giant of Africa (popularly so called) turned 59, there is this all too obvious conclusion that one can easily draw: Truly, plenty of age may not necessarily equate plenty of wisdom. There is yet a great gap between the lofty vision of the founding fathers of the independent Nigeria, and the reality that plays out today. Yet, there is hope as we strive to build a new crop of the young but immensely wise generation.”

United Kingdom-based cleric, Pastor Alex Omokudu, celebrated with fellow Nigerians, just as he prayed God to bless the country beyond human imagination.

In his own word, Prophet Moses Olagunju, raised the hope of Nigerians, saying, “let us have faith in God. Nigeria’s dry bones will soon rise again.”

Founder of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, Warri, Delta State, Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin, stated that the current state of the country called for serious prayer for the nation and its leaders.

“Let us join hands by faith and pray for the good of Nigeria for therein is our peace,” he added.

Pastor Taiwo Odukoya of the Fountain of Life Church, Ilupeju, Lagos, elevated the hope, saying that the country was blessed and that the word of the Lord concerning the nation would stand. “Our nation will indeed be great again,” he noted.

The founder of Zion Heritage and Miracles Ministries, Abuja, Bishop Okwudili Eze, admonished Nigerians to keep faith with the nation, despite the hardship we might be going through in the country.

He also urged Nigerians not to feel daunted because of the xenophobia issue in South Africa.

“Fellow African nations are now treating Nigeria with levity, I tell you that the glorious days of the nation will return and other nations will depend on us,” he said.