As Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence, one of the country’s leading evangelical leaders has called for a “moment of sober thinking,” urging church leaders to recognize that their spiritual mission is inseparable from the nation’s destiny and to speak prophetically about the moral and social crisis.
The Chairman of the All-Winning Evangelical Church (ECWA), Pastor Job Ayuba Bhagat Malam, delivered a message to pastors gathered at the ECWA Pastors International Conference held in Kalu, near Abuja, on October 1. This day commemorated the country’s independence from British colonial rule in 1960.
“This is a time for sober reflection,” Mallam said. “As pastors and spiritual leaders, we cannot separate our mission from the destiny of our nation. Just as the integrity of the church affects the progress of our nation, the welfare of our nation affects the health of our church.”
“A prophetic voice of truth, justice, and hope.”
Malam’s comments came amid growing public frustration over insecurity, corruption and rising costs of living, testing the faith and resilience of Africa’s most populous country. He said the Church must not retreat from its prophetic responsibility to address these challenges.
“Our role as pastors is not only to lead our congregations, but also to prophetically communicate truth, justice, and hope to this land,” he said. “Nigeria today faces many challenges, including economic hardship, insecurity, corruption, moral decline, restlessness among the youth, and deep ethnic and religious divisions.However, as people of faith, we affirm that ‘righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a condemnation to any people’ (Proverbs 14:34).”
He urged the clergy to lead the church into spiritual renewal, calling repentance and intercession the nation’s greatest needs. “Our country’s ultimate hope lies not just in political promises or economic reform, but in a return to God,” Mallam said. “We must lead the church in true repentance, passionate intercession, and consistent teaching of God’s Word that transforms lives and communities.”
He emphasized three responsibilities for Christian leaders: spiritual renewal for the healing of the nation, moral leadership in a broken society, and active involvement in nation-building. “The church must be the moral compass for the people,” he said. “At a time when corruption is rampant, we must shine as a beacon of integrity, responsibility and service.”
Quoting Jeremiah 29:7, he called on pastors to “seek peace in the city…for in it you will have peace.” He concluded with a message of hope. “If we remain faithful to God and our calling, Nigeria will rise again and the Church will remain Nigeria’s greatest hope.”
President Tinubu: “The worst is over”
In a national broadcast to mark the anniversary, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu acknowledged Nigeria’s difficulties but said the country had turned the corner with what he called “bold reforms.” He praised his administration’s fiscal and monetary policies for contributing to economic stability and vowed, “The dawn of a new, prosperous and independent Nigeria is here.”
“Today marks the 65th anniversary of the independence of our great country,” Tinubu said. “We may not have achieved all the lofty dreams of our ancestors, but we have made great strides in economic growth, social cohesion and physical development.”
Tinubu said the government had restored fiscal health and reduced debt ratios, citing increases in education, health care, infrastructure and foreign exchange reserves since 1960. “Under our leadership, our economy is rapidly recovering, and the reforms we started more than two years ago are showing tangible results,” he said, noting that gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the second quarter of 2025 reached 4.23%, the fastest pace in four years.
He also cited lower inflation, a wider tax base and increased oil production as signs of recovery. “The worst is over,” Tinubu declared. “Yesterday’s pain is starting to ease. I salute you for your patience, support and understanding. I will continue to work for you and justify the trust you have placed in me.”
President hails victory over terrorism and robbery
President Tinubu also addressed Nigeria’s long-standing security challenges, praising the military and law enforcement agencies for what he called “significant victories” against terrorism and violent crime. He said peace had been restored to hundreds of communities in the northeast and northwest that were once under the control of rebels and criminal organizations.
“The men and women of our armed forces and other security agencies are working tirelessly and making great sacrifices to keep us safe,” Tinubu said. “They are winning the war against terrorism, banditry and other violent crimes. We see them winning with blood and sweat to eradicate Boko Haram terrorism in the North East, IPOB/ESN terrorism in the South East and banditry and kidnapping across the country.”
He added that thousands of displaced people have returned to their homes and pledged continued investment in security operations and regional development to help consolidate peace. “On behalf of a grateful nation, we must continue to celebrate their heroic exploits and salute their courage,” Tinubu said.
WTO Director-General says reforms are bearing fruit
World Trade Organization Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Nigeria’s former finance minister, also expressed cautious optimism about the country’s direction. “President Tinubu’s reforms may be tough now, but a new and prosperous country will be born,” she said in a statement to mark the anniversary.
“Since the reforms began, we have lost count of the number of presidents, respected institutions and investors who have congratulated us on the arrival of Nigeria-focused leadership,” she said, adding that several multinational manufacturing companies will explore investment opportunities in Nigeria later this year.
“The Church is called to be salt and light”
For many Christian leaders, the intersection of faith and national renewal remains central to Nigeria’s journey. ECWA is one of the country’s largest evangelical denominations with millions of members and has been active in education, health, and missionary work throughout West Africa for many years.
Mr Mallam said such engagement is now more important than ever. “The pulpit must not be silent on issues of justice, peace and development,” he said. “The Church is called to be both salt and light.”
