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Chinyere Abiaziem
Presiding Bishop, Rhema Christian Church and Towers(RCC&T), Archbishop Dr. Taiwo Akinola, has condemned the attacks on Christians and Churches especially in the northern part of Nigeria.
He called for the upholding of constitutional right to freedom of religion, protection of all worship centres, and bringing perpetrators to justice.
Akinola made the call in his address at a press briefing on Thursday ahead of the church’s 34th World Convention with the theme ‘The God of All Possibilities’ and anniversary to commence on November 2.
The cleric who bemoaned the current level of insecurity as one of Nigeria’s gravest challenges, cited that in one month—May 2025, The West Africa Security Tracker recorded 329 security incidents and 554 deaths linked to banditry, insurgency, and abductions, with no region spared.
“We mourn every life lost. The Church calls for urgent security reform, improved intelligence coordination, and community policing. Security personnel deserve better welfare, while faith leaders must continue to support trauma healing and reconciliation to restore national cohesion,” Akinola stated.
He lamented that millions of Nigerians remain trapped in poverty and unemployment, even as he noted that inflation continues to erode purchasing power, food prices soar, and the cost of living pushes many families into despair.
Stating:”The Church urges the government to ground its economic policies in justice and compassion—to cushion the impact on the poor, promote local production, curb corruption, and ensure transparent fiscal management.
“Growth must be inclusive, allowing every Nigerian to share in the fruits of development.”
On the repeated strikes by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), he urged that education must be “treated as a sacred trust—adequately funded, efficiently managed, and free from endless disruptions.
“Nigeria must commit 15–26 per cent of its annual budget to education, as recommended by UNESCO, to rebuild a strong and credible system.”
Stressing that the church would continue in praying for the nation, he called for national repentance and intensified action for inclusive growth, allowing every Nigerian to share in the fruits of development.
He added:”Investment should focus on roads, power, water, and broadband connectivity across rural and urban areas, implemented through transparent partnerships.
“We urge the government to exercise fiscal discipline and transparency. Borrowing should fund productive investments that create jobs and long-term value.
“Future generations must not bear the weight of today’s financial recklessness. Stewardship must be guided by moral responsibility before God.
“We call on all political leaders to embrace humility, justice, and national unity. Let campaigns focus on ideas, not insults; on service, not self.”
