OPINION:

Nigeria @65: Nigerian Clerics, Emiaso, Okeke, Oyinlola, Olufestus Speaks

 

The journey of Nigeria as a country after independence has taken on different dimensions and experienced beyond expectations.

Leadership have the major highlights of the country and the society, while the citizens are becoming the sacrificial lambs with different life threatening challenges, ranging from political instability, moral decadence, banditry, economic crisis, insecurity, communal clashes, nepotism, religious misunderstandings, kidnapping, broken homes, and marriages; loss of values, and other situations have brought untold hardship, loss of purpose, and senses of confusion to our supposed and expected crisis ridden free and liberal society.

In this report by Gracious Akintayo, notable and respected Christian leaders expressed their minds and offered unique solutions on how to achieve the desired results.

Archbishop Dr Eric Emiaso, of the Gospel Church of Christ (GCC), Worldwide, holds the view that Nigeria is like a ship lost at sea and completely disconnected from the radar. No matter how you shout, no matter how you wave your hand, nobody sees you or hears you.

He went on to state that, the Nigeria’s journey from independence, unlike most countries that gained independence with her, have been full of woes, one step forward and ten steps backward due to many Satanic forces bedeviling her fledgling democracy, which includes, ethnicity, religion and bad leadership that never care about the welfare of citizens who elected them into offices and power.

He said, The only hope we have in Nigeria is that Nigerians love God and love to serve Him. Additionally, Nigerians are resilient, hardworking, and committed to looking up to God for their survival. God has not failed their faith in Him, and He will not disappoint them.

Archbishop Emiaso admitted that Morality in Nigerian society today and the world at large has dropped drastically compared to what was experienced sixty-five years ago. “Money has become the god of Nigeria, and everyone wants to get money by any means they can. Unfortunately, this has also crept into the Church. 

“However, Nigeria is still far better than most Western Nations in the world. But the only areas we have issues that need to be fixed are corruption and insecurity, which if addressed, would make Nigeria become an Eldorado”, he said. 

Quoting from the book of Job 14:7-9, Emiaso assured that there’s hope for Nigeria. He advised Nigerians not to give up on the country or on themselves.  

“Our endless prayers have the capacity of transforming Nigeria, just as rain waters dry, thirsty and dying vegetation and makes it evergreen again. In the years ahead, that would be the story of Nigeria, he declared over Nigeria.

In her submission, Mother Success Okeke, the Jurisdictional Supervisor of Judah Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction (COGIC), stated that Nigeria’s journey has been up and down to an extent; only individual citizens who are not dependent on Nigeria are achieving significant growth.

Comparing Nigeria now with 65 years ago, she said, the success of Nigeria 65 years ago is nothing compared with what is available now. Most individuals are doing better than in Nigeria, which is backward in many ways. Despite the situation, many Nigerians still fear GOD, which is the beginning of Wisdom, and that gives hope for the future.

Speaking on moral and character values, Success Okeke said, notwithstanding some happenings, our character values are still better than what you find in many other parts of the nation in the world. “I have travelled extensively, and can tell you, Nigerians are respected for their good morals and characters. There are bad eggs, but they are easily detected for their dark spots”. 

Mother Okeke decreed that bad leadership and the corruptible practices of evil leaders hindered Nigeria’s progress. She stated that to achieve the desired growth and overcome our economic situation, quality education, a secure environment, a good healthcare system, and other amenities must be provided to citizens to better their lot.

Mother Okeke described President Tinubu as a good leader and detribalized Nigerian who meant well for Nigerian citizens. 

She advised Nigerians to always pray for their leaders and one another. “God loves Nigeria, and has not finished with the country. Nigeria is in God’s hands, and there will be divine surprises because God will fight our battles and will not be a man. 

Rev Stephen Oyinlola, the Coordinator of Isolo/Ejigbo, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), and a Director in Lagos State CAN, described Nigeria’s journey since independence as an experience of going up and down.

He clarified the difference between now and 65 years of Nigeria’s independence, and said, there is hope for the future. “The difference is clear, things are getting better in Nigeria, and it definitely will continue to be better because new things for the country are getting easier and better”. 

Rev Oyinlola bemoans moral and character values in Nigerian society, stating that nothing can be said about them due to the unique societal status of Nigeria, considering individuals and nomenclature.

He corroborated that, as a country and people, a lot is missing in our systems, and many things are begging to be put in place for a better environment and the good of the people. “Our economy is not yet stable, and it requires attention. Most of our infrastructure is dysfunctional, there’s a palpable fear of insecurity, communal clashes, and corruptible practices, with rampant godlessness that needs to be fixed. 

Calling on Nigerians, Rev Stephen Oyinlola appealed that, “All hands must be on deck, and a better Nigerian society requires everyone’s commitment as good citizens carrying out our civic duties. Nigeria shall be great again, and it shall be well with all of us, the citizens”.

Archbishop Andreas Olufestus, the Global Chief Executive of the Association of Chartered Christian Instructors (ACCI) Worldwide, believe that Nigeria’s journey since independence has been tumultuous, breathtaking, and epic, full of triumphs and trials.

He claimed that the euphoria from Nigeria’s independence into a devastating Civil War, enduring the long and stagnant decades under the military rule, and brave navigation of a bumpy democratic rebirth with the experience of economic booms that promise so much, but followed by downturns and shadows of insecurity, are turning points in the history of Nigeria. “Still in the midst of these situations, the true expression is our survival and unyielding resilience spirit as a country and its citizens. Notwithstanding missing some opportunities, Nigeria’s strength remains the indomitable spirit of unity and hope”, he stated.

Prof Olufestus compared the Nigeria of sixty-five years ago, a tender country brimming with promise but struggling to find its footing, with what it is experiencing today. He said, “The problems are exponentially complex and entrenched in economic hardship, insecurity, communal clashes, unsettling political instability, and decline in social and moral values”.

However, we now possess superior human capital, technological advancement, and a greater global influence. But, the hope for tomorrow lies in purposeful leadership with clear political will, accountable governance, and a citizenry prepared to forge a united, prosperous future and be above situations for the country, he added.

Condemning the nation’s profound erosion of moral and character values, with an insidious culture of corruption, brazen selfish entitlement, dishonesty, and disregard for integrity that has eaten deep into our national fabric and spheres of life. Olufestus said, despite the decadence, “many Nigerians still quietly uphold the values of honesty, godliness, and selfless service”, he said. 

Olufestus said that for Nigeria to thrive and its potential utilised,  moral and ethical rejuvenation must be pursued with a unique commitment to empower policy and institutional reforms.

Prof Olufestus bemoaned visionary leadership anchored on unimpeachable justice, equity, and accountability as critical ingredients missing in our societal system. “To get things fixed up, and be in the proper way, we have to overhaul the leadership system, relentlessly strengthen our institutions, and painstakingly restore trust between the government and the governed, with aggressive investment in education, healthcare, agriculture, and infrastructure”, he said.

Advising that, at 65, Nigeria must embrace a new dawn. We must not give up on Nigeria; instead, we must continue to contribute positively to make it a better place for us to live. “Leadership is not only a political title, it begins with every citizen, irrespective of your gender, age, status, and position”, Archbishop Andreas Olufestus said.

He prophetically declared that Nigeria would rise from the ashes of corruption, division, and decaying situations. She will emerge as a land characterised by peace, justice, and prosperity.