A former Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, and Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission, Dr. Mike Okonkwo, have urged the Nigerian church to return to preaching the true gospel, insisting that only values of integrity, productivity, and responsibility can transform the nation and curb corruption.
Speaking at the 80th birthday lecture of Bishop Okonkwo in Lagos on Thursday, Osinbajo said the Nigerian church must re-examine its message if it hopes to contribute meaningfully to national transformation.
The 24th Mike Okonkwo annual lecture was titled, ‘The Nigeria Of Our Dream: Today’s Reality and a Responsible Pathfinder.’
According to him, messages that focus solely on miracles and prosperity without responsibility are undermining development.
Osinbajo spoke on ‘Church as a responsible pathfinder in attaining the Nigeria of our dreams.’
“If the gospel is preached correctly, it will create renewed, regenerated men and women. The Bible is so powerful that what you hear determines how you live and who you become.
“The gospel’s view on wealth is that there must be work productive and creative work. We cannot build a nation on the doctrines of miracle money and shortcuts. True gospel preaching instills diligence, honesty, and responsibility. That is what changes societies,” Osinbajo declared.
He cited Africa’s reliance on exporting raw materials without adding value as an example of misplaced priorities, noting that it explained why resource-rich nations remained poor.
“Africa produces most of the world’s raw cocoa but exports it unprocessed, while countries that have no cocoa at all process it into chocolate and take 96 per cent of the profit. This principle shows why Africa lags behind; we must learn to add value. That is the power God gives us: creativity and innovation,” he said.
Osinbajo stressed that the Puritans in Europe transformed their societies because their preachers taught that all honest work was sacred and that integrity must govern every aspect of life.
“In those nations, corruption became the exception rather than the rule because the church emphasised ethics, hard work, and honesty. That is the gospel that can also transform Nigeria,” he said.
In his remarks, Bishop Okonkwo challenged Nigerians to take stock of the nation’s progress nearly 65 years after independence, saying the responsibility of building the nation rests on every citizen.
“For over a decade now, we have been organising this annual lecture and bringing men and women of calibre to speak on topical national issues. It is our modest contribution to development. But Nigerians must truly answer: is our country where it ought to be?” he asked.
He added, “The Nigeria of our dreams can be realised, but every one of us must play our part. If we care for others and see the corporate wellness of our country as a task that must be done, then things will be okay. Responsibility cannot be shifted; we all must take it.”
Chairman of the occasion, Major General Ike Nwachukwu (rtd), also reinforced the message of responsibility, describing Nigeria as “a land of immense promise” hindered by contradictions of poverty amidst plenty.
“To bridge this gap requires responsible pathfinders, leaders, and citizens who rise above self-interest to chart a course for the common good,” Nwachukwu said.
Credit: punchng.com
