Nigeria in Dire Need of Prayers; Many Churches Have Drifted From the Gospel – Pastor Femi Taiwo
Pastor Peter Sunday Femi Taiwo, FCA, is the Assistant General Overseer of Partakers of Grace Evangelical Ministries (POGEM), Abule-Egba, Lagos.
He is a Fellow at the Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) and currently the General Manager, Finance at Jawa International Ltd.
In this exclusive interview with Gracious Akintayo at POGEM’s 33rd annual Grace Convention, he shared insightful perspectives on the church, society, marriage, and other issues. Excerpt:
Congratulations on the success of the POGEM 33rd annual Grace Convention:
Thank you. We attribute the convention’s success, including the impactful open crusade that featured remarkable testimonies and signs and wonders, to God’s glory.
Notably, a man afflicted with insanity was delivered and regained his sanity. Furthermore, many souls were harvested as people surrendered their lives to Christ. All glory, honor, and praises belong to God, demonstrating His power.
What inspired the theme, and what does it aim to achieve?
We realized that every individual is created with glory, and the breath and capacity of God in their lives define them. From the beginning, man was created with glory, born for glory, and in glory, yet has refused to manifest it, inspiring the convention theme to remind people they are carriers of God’s glory.
Like a bird with the capacity to fly but confined, the glory can only manifest when released. The theme was explored over three days by respected guest ministers who delivered insightful expositions and revelation knowledge.
We believe participants are now better informed and inspired to rediscover their creation for glory and manifest God’s glory.
How do we apply this to Nigeria’s current situation?
Despite adversity, children of God must radiate His glory, showcasing His light. The theme’s essence is to manifest God’s glory and identify us as His children.
Briefly, about the church:
Partakers of Grace Evangelical Ministry (POGEM) was established over 33 years ago by Apostle Elisha Temitayo Eniola, emphasizing God’s grace as essential for achievement.
The ministry believes connecting to God’s grace enables individuals to excel and radiate His glory.
With the founder currently indisposed, I was appointed Assistant General Overseer and have been presiding over church affairs since last June.
What has been your major drive and impact since taking over?
God’s faithfulness has driven us, enabling improvements in life-changing programs, empowerment, and evangelism.
Briefly, tell us about yourself:
I’m Peter Sunday Femi Taiwo, a Chartered Accountant and fellow of ICAN and CITN, working as General Manager of Finance at Jawa International Ltd. Happily Married with lovely children.
How would you rate the present state of Christianity?
Social media has both positive and negative impacts, but its negative effects, such as misleading youth with get-rich-quick schemes and process-less prosperity teachings, are concerning.
Many churches have drifted from the gospel, prioritizing financial breakthrough over holiness and righteousness.
The essence of Christianity lies in its focus on eternity, guiding members to prioritize their eternal destination without compromising the gospel of salvation.
What are your thoughts on Nigeria’s current situation?
Nigeria is in dire need of prayer, given its precarious state. The country is grappling with security issues and economic challenges, exacerbated by rising inflation that has made living standards unbearable for ordinary citizens.
2 Chronicles 7:14 offers a solution, stating that if God’s people humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn away from wicked ways, He will heal their land and forgive their sins.
For Nigeria to experience healing, its citizens must turn away from sinful practices.
Despite being religious, many Nigerians lack true spirituality. The church, too, needs reform, as some leaders and members engage in abominable and criminal activities.
The biblical verse specifically addresses God’s people, emphasizing the need for repentance. Many use their religious positions for evil purposes, and only genuine repentance can lead to healing.
What advice would you give to Nigerians and politicians ahead of the 2027 election?
Many Nigerians have lost faith in the electoral system, questioning the efficacy of their votes. The electoral commission must provide reassurance.
While technology has improved the voting process, reducing ballot stuffing and snatching, flaws remain. Nigerians should continue praying for divine intervention and for leaders to prioritize the people’s welfare.
Ideally, the electoral commission should be independent, with its leadership appointed through a transparent process.
What is your advice to Nigerian Christian leaders?
They should preach salvation, holiness, and sanctification, offering hope to a desperate nation. Prayer and seeking God’s kingdom should be emphasized.
Christian leaders must unite, speaking truth to power and representing the people’s interests. They should be the voice of the voiceless, aware of the challenges faced by ordinary citizens.
What is the missing link between older and newer generations with the rates of divorce and broken homes today?
The root cause lies in the failure to adhere to biblical principles, such as leaving parents to cleave to one’s spouse.
Many marriages fail because husbands do not prioritize their wives, often remaining overly attached to their families.
The Bible emphasizes love and submission in marriage, and adhering to these principles can reduce divorce rates and strengthen families.
Husbands must love their wives, and wives must submit to their husbands, with both partners prioritizing their relationship above all else.
