PRESS RELEASE
THE CHURCH OF THE LORD WORLDWIDE
ON THE STATE OF THE NATION AS WE CELEBRATE THE 90TH TABIEORAR FESTIVAL
PREAMBLE — A MOMENT OF THANKSGIVING, REFLECTION AND NATIONAL RESPONSIBILITY
As The Church of the Lord Worldwide joyfully celebrates the 90th Tabieorar Festival, we give all glory to our Faithful and Glorious God for His sustaining grace upon the Church, our nation, Nigeria, and the entire world. The 90th Tabieorar Festival is not merely a celebration of the past; it is also an opportunity to reflect on the present and look forward to the future with renewed faith, responsibility and hope. As a Church committed to righteousness, peace, justice, compassion and national development, we consider it our sacred responsibility to pray for those in authority, commend what is commendable, encourage what requires improvement, and respectfully draw attention to areas where urgent and decisive action is needed. Our observations are therefore offered in the spirit of love for Nigeria, constructive engagement and genuine concern for the welfare of all Nigerians, irrespective of ethnic, religious, political or regional affiliation.
“RECOGNISING PROGRESS AND ENCOURAGING WHAT IS WORKING”
The Church commends the Federal Government for its continued investment in infrastructure development, educational support, economic and fiscal reforms, strengthening of local government administration, and agricultural and food security initiatives. These efforts have the potential to improve transportation, expand access to education, strengthen public finances, promote grassroots development and enhance food production. The Church encourages the government to sustain these initiatives while ensuring transparency, quality implementation, accountability, value for money and measurable impact.
“FROM GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES TO MEASURABLE IMPACT”
The Church recognises that positive efforts have been made in electricity supply, social welfare, healthcare, youth employment and entrepreneurship, and education. However, these interventions need stronger implementation and wider impact. Government should ensure that electricity reforms translate into reliable power, welfare programmes reach the genuinely vulnerable, healthcare becomes more accessible and affordable, and youth empowerment programmes lead to real jobs, sustainable businesses and productive opportunities. Greater attention should also be given to the quality of education, vocational training, research, and practical skills.
AREAS OF NATIONAL CONCERN
SECURITY OF LIVES AND PROPERTY
The Church calls on government to strengthen intelligence gathering, information sharing and coordination among all security agencies. Security personnel should be adequately trained, equipped and properly supported, while 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 systems should be strengthened, perpetrators properly prosecuted, and affected communities supported to return safely to productive livelihoods. Government should also
address the social and economic conditions that encourage criminality. The protection of life and property must remain the first responsibility of government.
COST OF LIVING AND INFLATION
The Church urges government to increase domestic food production, support farmers with affordable inputs and financing, reduce costs along the food supply chain, and improve rural roads, transportation and storage facilities. Government should create a business environment that lowers production costs, improve wages and incomes in line with economic realities, and provide targeted support for vulnerable households, pensioners and fixed-income earners. Economic reforms must be implemented with compassion and should improve the actual living conditions and purchasing power of the masses.
CORRUPTION
The Church calls for stronger and more independent anti-corruption institutions, free from political interference, with the law applied fairly to everyone. Government procurement, contracts and expenditure should be more transparent, while digital systems, effective auditing and monitoring should be used to reduce leakages and manipulation. Recovered public funds and assets must be properly accounted for, citizens and whistle-blowers should be protected when reporting corruption, and corruption cases should be investigated and concluded promptly. Public resources are a sacred trust and must be honestly and efficiently used for the benefit of Nigerians.
JUSTICE
The Church calls for a justice system that is accessible, timely and fair to all. Government should reduce delays in court proceedings, improve funding and infrastructure for the judiciary, and expand legal assistance for vulnerable citizens. Law-enforcement agencies must operate within the law, abuses of power must attract appropriate accountability, and every Nigerian must receive equal treatment before the law. Justice must not only be available; it must be seen to be fair, timely and accessible to all.
THE CHURCH’S CALL TO NIGERIANS — “OUR NATION IS OUR COLLECTIVE RESPONSIBILITY”
While government has a major responsibility for national development, every citizen also has a role to play.
We call on all Nigerians to remain peaceful, law-abiding and committed to the unity of the nation.
Citizens should reject violence, criminality, ethnic hatred and religious intolerance in all forms.
Nigerians should avoid spreading false information, inflammatory messages and content capable of causing division.
Citizens should fulfil their lawful civic obligations, including the payment of legitimate taxes.
Every Nigerian should embrace diligence, honesty, hard work and responsible living.
We urge Nigerians to continually pray for the nation, its leaders and the peace and prosperity of Nigeria.
Above all, let us teach the younger generation honesty, discipline, patriotism, respect and love for one another, remembering that Nigeria belongs to all of us: government must govern responsibly, and citizens must act responsibly.
OUR COMMITMENT
As a Church, we reaffirm our commitment to contributing positively to the transformation of Nigeria. Our responsibility extends beyond prayer. We shall continue to promote: Intercession for the nation; Moral and Spiritual instruction; Peace and Reconciliation; And constructive partnership for National transformation.
We believe that a better Nigeria is possible with all hands on deck, as we collectively seek God’s wisdom and guidance. Together, we can overcome our challenges and build a nation that reflects our highest ideals and aspirations.
May God bless our Country, guide our leaders, and inspire each of us to contribute to the common good. Nigeria’s lory shall be restored in Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
Happy Tabieorar !
God bless you all !!
God bless Nigeria.
SIGNED:
His Holiness, The Most Revd. Dr. Rufus Okikiola Ositelu
Primate, The Church of the Lord Worldwide
& President, World Council of Churches in Africa
22nd August, 2026
