PREAMBLE: A TIME FOR THANKSGIVING, REFLECTION AND NATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
As The Church of the Lord Worldwide celebrates the 90th Tabieorar Festival, the Church gives glory to Almighty God for His faithfulness and sustaining grace over the Church, Nigeria and the world.
The milestone provides an opportunity not only to celebrate God’s goodness but also to reflect on the state of the nation and look ahead with renewed faith, hope and a sense of collective responsibility.
As a Church committed to righteousness, justice, peace, compassion and national development, we recognise our responsibility to pray for those in authority, commend policies and programmes that serve the public good, encourage areas requiring improvement, and respectfully draw attention to issues demanding urgent action.
Our observations are made in the spirit of love for Nigeria, constructive engagement and genuine concern for the wellbeing of all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnicity, religion, political affiliation or region.
ACKNOWLEDGING PROGRESS AND ENCOURAGING SUSTAINED ACTION
The Church commends the Federal Government for its ongoing efforts in infrastructure development, education, economic and fiscal reforms, local government administration, agriculture and food security.
These initiatives have the potential to improve transportation, expand educational opportunities, strengthen public finances, promote grassroots development and increase food production.
The Church therefore encourages the government to sustain these efforts while placing greater emphasis on transparency, accountability, quality implementation, value for public money and measurable results.
TURNING GOVERNMENT POLICIES INTO TANGIBLE IMPACT
The Church acknowledges interventions in areas including electricity, social welfare, healthcare, youth employment and entrepreneurship, and education.
However, policies and programmes must ultimately translate into tangible improvements in the lives of citizens.
Electricity reforms should deliver more reliable power; social intervention programmes should effectively reach vulnerable Nigerians; healthcare should become more accessible and affordable; while youth empowerment initiatives should create sustainable employment, businesses and productive opportunities.
The Church also urges greater investment in quality education, vocational training, research and practical skills development to prepare young Nigerians for the demands of the modern economy.
AREAS OF NATIONAL CONCERN
SECURITY OF LIVES AND PROPERTY
The Church calls on the government to intensify intelligence gathering, information sharing and coordination among security agencies.
Security personnel should receive adequate training, equipment and welfare support, while sustained and decisive action should be taken against terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and organised crime.
Greater protection should be provided for communities, schools, farms, markets, highways, places of worship and critical infrastructure.
Early-warning mechanisms should be strengthened, perpetrators brought to justice, and affected communities supported in rebuilding their lives and returning to productive activities.
Government should also address the social and economic conditions that contribute to criminality.
The protection of lives and property must remain one of the foremost responsibilities of government.
COST OF LIVING AND INFLATION
The Church urges the government to intensify efforts to increase domestic food production and provide farmers with affordable inputs, financing and other necessary support.
Attention should also be given to reducing costs across the food supply chain while improving rural roads, transportation, storage and distribution infrastructure.
Government should foster a business environment that reduces production costs and supports better wages and incomes in line with prevailing economic realities.
Targeted assistance should also be provided to vulnerable households, pensioners and fixed-income earners.
Economic reforms must be implemented with compassion and should ultimately translate into improved living standards and greater purchasing power for ordinary Nigerians.
CORRUPTION
The Church calls for stronger, transparent and independent anti-corruption institutions capable of operating without political interference.
The law must apply fairly to everyone, regardless of status or position.
Government procurement, contracts and public expenditure should be subject to greater transparency, while digital systems, effective auditing and robust monitoring mechanisms should be deployed to minimise leakages and manipulation.
Recovered public funds and assets must be properly accounted for, while citizens and whistle-blowers who expose corruption should be adequately protected.
Corruption cases should be investigated and concluded promptly in accordance with the law.
Public resources are a sacred trust and must be managed honestly, efficiently and solely for the benefit of Nigerians.
JUSTICE AND THE RULE OF LAW
The Church advocates a justice system that is accessible, timely, independent and fair to every citizen.
Government should address delays in court proceedings, improve funding and infrastructure for the judiciary, and expand access to legal assistance for vulnerable members of society.
Law-enforcement agencies must operate within the boundaries of the law, while abuses of power should attract appropriate accountability.
Every Nigerian deserves equal treatment before the law.
Justice must not only be available; it must be delivered fairly, promptly and without discrimination.
A CALL TO NIGERIANS: NIGERIA IS OUR COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY
While government carries a significant responsibility for national development, citizens also have important duties in building a peaceful and prosperous nation.
The Church calls on all Nigerians to:
– Remain peaceful, law-abiding and committed to the unity of Nigeria.
– Reject violence, criminality, ethnic hatred and religious intolerance in all forms.
– Avoid spreading false information, inflammatory messages and content capable of creating division.
– Fulfil all lawful civic responsibilities, including the payment of legitimate taxes.
– Embrace honesty, diligence, hard work, discipline and responsible citizenship.
– Continue to pray for Nigeria, her leaders and the peace and prosperity of the nation.
We particularly urge parents, guardians, religious leaders, educators and other stakeholders to teach the younger generation the values of honesty, discipline, patriotism, mutual respect and love for one another.
Nigeria belongs to all of us. Government must govern responsibly, while citizens must equally act responsibly.
OUR COMMITMENT TO NIGERIA
As a Church, we reaffirm our commitment to contributing positively to the transformation and development of Nigeria.
Our responsibility goes beyond prayer. We shall continue to promote:
– Intercession for the nation;
– Moral and spiritual instruction;
– Peace, reconciliation and unity; and
– Constructive partnerships that contribute to national transformation.
We believe a better Nigeria is possible when government, institutions, communities and citizens work together with a shared sense of purpose.
With faith, wisdom, responsible leadership and collective action, Nigeria can overcome her challenges and build a nation that reflects the aspirations and highest ideals of her people.
May God continue to bless Nigeria, guide our leaders and inspire every citizen to contribute to the common good.
May Nigeria’s glory be restored, in Jesus’ mighty name. Amen.
Happy 90th Tabieorar Festival!
God bless you all.
God bless Nigeria.
