Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has issued a clarion call to scholars, church leaders and policymakers, urging them to move beyond academic deliberations and develop practical, implementable solutions to Nigeria's worsening insecurity. Adeboye, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Administration, Professor Dele Balogun, made the appeal on Thursday while delivering a goodwill message at the 2026 International Conference on African Pentecostalism, held at the Redemption City along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in Ogun State. The conference, themed “African Pentecostalism and the Politics of Insecurity in Nigeria,” was organised by the Redeemed Christian Theological College in collaboration with the Departments of Religious Studies at the University of Ibadan and Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State.
Describing the gathering as timely, Adeboye declared that Nigeria was passing through a defining moment in its history because of persistent security challenges. He identified kidnapping, insurgency, farmer-herder conflicts and communal violence as some of the major security threats confronting the country, stressing that African Pentecostalism had continued to play a significant role in Nigeria’s religious, political and economic life despite the challenges. “You will agree with me that we are at a defining moment in the history of our nation, Nigeria,” Adeboye said. “By the special grace of God, Nigeria is a blessed country. Because of the blessings God has bestowed upon this nation, the enemy is not pleased. But whether the enemy is happy or not, as we cooperate with God, I believe that Nigeria will fulfil her divine destiny”.
The RCCG leader noted that despite the numerous security challenges confronting the nation, African Pentecostalism had remained a pivotal force in the country’s economic, political and religious spheres. He urged participants not to treat the conference as merely an intellectual exercise but as an opportunity to formulate implementable recommendations that could help reduce insecurity across the country. “I want you to know that God is counting on us because African Pentecostalism has much to contribute towards resolving this crisis,” Adeboye said. “You will agree with me that African Pentecostalism does not merely preach peace or simply spiritualise every issue. Rather, it seeks to translate faith into practical action so that, in our time, tangible solutions can emerge to address the problem of insecurity”.
In a direct challenge to participants, the General Overseer stressed the need to go beyond scholarly discussions and develop practical, viable solutions that could ultimately help overcome the problem of insecurity in Nigeria. “As I conclude, I would like to encourage us not to regard this conference as merely another academic exercise. While it is indeed an academic gathering, I urge us to go beyond scholarly discussions and develop practical, viable solutions that can help reduce—and ultimately overcome—the problem of insecurity in Nigeria,” he said. His remarks underscored a growing frustration among religious leaders over the disconnect between academic research and tangible policy outcomes in addressing the country’s security crisis.
Also speaking at the conference, the National Overseer of RCCG, Pastor Sunday Akande, who was represented by the former Provost of the college and Assistant Continental Overseer (Research and Development), Dr Josiah Bolarinwa, lamented that insecurity in the country had been politicised to the extent that some people denied its existence, a situation he said had contributed to the persistence of the crisis. Akande urged African Pentecostals to move beyond spiritual exercises by participating actively in community development and supporting efforts to strengthen security at the grassroots. He also called on churches to provide spiritual support for security agencies and encourage members to serve in security roles.
Akande further emphasised that religion and governance are inseparable in African society, adding that Pentecostalism promoted spiritual values that could positively influence politics, security and community development. He said African Pentecostals should actively support community security, encourage members to serve in security agencies and uphold ethical leadership through Christian values and spiritual commitment. His remarks reinforced Adeboye’s call for practical action, urging the faith community to take ownership of the security challenges facing the nation rather than leaving the burden solely to the government.
The conference, which attracted participants from within and outside Nigeria, was designed to examine the role of Pentecostalism in responding to the country’s security challenges. Adeboye expressed optimism that despite the country’s current difficulties, Nigeria would fulfil its God-ordained destiny. He also expressed confidence that the conference would produce robust recommendations capable of strengthening the role of African Pentecostalism in addressing Nigeria’s insecurity. “You will agree with me that African Pentecostalism does not merely preach peace or simply spiritualise every issue. Rather, it seeks to translate faith into practical action so that, in our time, tangible solutions can emerge to address the problem of insecurity,” he reiterated.
Adeboye’s call for practical solutions comes against the backdrop of escalating insecurity across Nigeria, where kidnapping, banditry, insurgency and communal violence have continued to claim lives and displace communities. The cleric’s remarks also align with his previous statements on the security situation, including a recent challenge to security chiefs to end terrorism within 90 days or step down. His latest intervention, however, shifts the focus to the role of scholars and religious leaders in developing actionable frameworks that can complement government efforts.
The conference served as a platform for academics, clergy, researchers and policymakers to discuss the role of African Pentecostalism in shaping society and responding to contemporary challenges affecting the continent. Adeboye encouraged scholars and religious leaders to strengthen collaboration with government institutions and other stakeholders in promoting peace, justice and sustainable development across the country. He described the persistent security challenges as requiring practical, research-driven and faith-based interventions rather than theoretical discussions alone.
The General Overseer’s message was clear: the church cannot afford to remain a passive observer while the nation burns. He challenged African Pentecostalism to move beyond preaching peace and spiritualising every issue, urging the faith community to translate its beliefs into tangible actions capable of producing lasting security and national transformation. His call for practical solutions resonated with participants, many of whom acknowledged the need for a more proactive role for religious institutions in addressing the root causes of insecurity.
As Nigeria continues to grapple with multifaceted security challenges, Adeboye’s intervention serves as a reminder that the fight against insecurity requires a whole-of-society approach. The church, he argued, has a critical role to play not only in providing spiritual comfort but also in contributing to the development of practical, implementable solutions that can help restore peace and stability to the nation.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments