VENO tv: From the Pulpit: Church of the Lord Worldwide Marks 90th Tabieorar, Calls for Action on Security, Inflation and Corruption Date: 23-08-26
By Kayode Adoide
As The Church of the Lord Worldwide celebrates the historic 90th Tabieorar Festival, its Primate, His Holiness, The Most Revd. Dr. Rufus Okikiola Ositelu, has called on the Federal Government to intensify efforts to tackle insecurity, the high cost of living, corruption and challenges in the justice system.
In a state-of-the-nation press release dated August 22, 2026, Ositelu said the milestone festival provides an opportunity not only for thanksgiving but also for reflection on Nigeria's present condition and future.
The Primate said the Church considers it a sacred responsibility to pray for those in authority, commend positive developments and respectfully draw government's attention to areas requiring urgent intervention.
Church Commends Government's Efforts
While raising concerns over the country's challenges, the Church acknowledged efforts by the Federal Government in infrastructure development, educational support, economic and fiscal reforms, local government administration, agriculture and food security.
It urged the government to sustain these initiatives while placing greater emphasis on transparency, accountability, quality implementation, value for money and measurable results.
The Church also recognised interventions in electricity supply, healthcare, social welfare, youth employment, entrepreneurship and education, but maintained that Nigerians must feel their impact more directly.
According to the statement, electricity reforms should translate into reliable power supply, welfare programmes should reach genuinely vulnerable citizens, healthcare should become more accessible and affordable, while youth empowerment initiatives should produce sustainable jobs and businesses.
Security Must Remain Government's Priority
On insecurity, the Church called for improved intelligence gathering and stronger coordination among security agencies in confronting terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and organised crime.
It also urged greater protection for schools, farms, markets, highways, communities, places of worship and critical national infrastructure.
The Church stressed that perpetrators of crimes must be properly prosecuted, while affected communities should receive the necessary support to return to normal and productive lives.
"The protection of life and property must remain the first responsibility of government," the statement said.
Cost of Living: Reforms Must Benefit the Masses
Expressing concern over inflation and the cost-of-living crisis, the Church urged the government to increase domestic food production and provide farmers with affordable inputs and financing.
It also advocated improved rural roads, transportation and storage facilities to reduce the cost of moving food and other essential goods across the country.
Government, it said, should pay particular attention to vulnerable households, pensioners and fixed-income earners and ensure that wages and incomes reflect prevailing economic realities.
The Church stressed that economic reforms should ultimately improve the living conditions and purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians.
Ositelu Calls for Tougher Fight Against Corruption
On corruption, the Church demanded stronger and more independent anti-corruption institutions, insisting that the law must be applied fairly without political interference.
It called for greater transparency in government procurement, contracts and expenditure, alongside effective auditing, monitoring and digital systems capable of reducing financial leakages.
The Church also demanded proper accountability for recovered public funds and assets and protection for citizens and whistle-blowers who expose corrupt practices.
"Public resources are a sacred trust and must be honestly and efficiently used for the benefit of Nigerians," it declared.
Justice Must Be Fair and Accessible
The Church also called for reforms that would make Nigeria's justice system faster, fairer and more accessible.
It urged authorities to address delays in court proceedings, improve judicial funding and infrastructure, expand legal assistance for vulnerable Nigerians and hold law-enforcement personnel accountable for abuses of power.
It stressed that every Nigerian, regardless of status, must receive equal treatment before the law.
Nigerians Also Have Responsibilities
Ositelu reminded citizens that building a better country is not the responsibility of government alone.
The Church urged Nigerians to remain peaceful and law-abiding and reject violence, criminality, ethnic hatred and religious intolerance.
It particularly warned against spreading false information and inflammatory messages capable of creating division.
Nigerians were also encouraged to fulfil their lawful civic obligations, embrace honesty, diligence and hard work, and continually pray for the country's leaders, peace and prosperity.
Parents and other adults were urged to teach younger generations the values of honesty, discipline, patriotism, mutual respect and love.
"Nigeria belongs to all of us: government must govern responsibly, and citizens must act responsibly," the Church stated.
Church Reaffirms Commitment to Nigeria
As part of activities marking the 90th Tabieorar Festival, The Church of the Lord Worldwide reaffirmed its commitment to national transformation through prayer, moral and spiritual instruction, peace and reconciliation, and constructive partnerships.
The Primate expressed confidence that Nigeria could overcome its challenges through collective responsibility and God's guidance.
"We believe that a better Nigeria is possible with all hands on deck, as we collectively seek God's wisdom and guidance," the statement said.
Ositelu concluded with prayers for the country and its leadership, declaring: "Nigeria's glory shall be restored in Jesus' mighty name, Amen."
The statement was signed by His Holiness, The Most Revd. Dr. Rufus Okikiola Ositelu, Primate of The Church of the Lord Worldwide and President, World Council of Churches in Africa.