Bishop Stephen Adegbite, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Lagos State, has called on the faithful to seem beyond personal grievances and embrace a spirit of sacrificial love for their fellow citizens and the nation’s leadership. Speaking during a high-profile gathering in Lagos, the religious leader emphasized that the true essence of the Easter season should manifest as a catalyst for national renewal and compassion.
The call comes at a time of significant socio-economic pressure across Nigeria, where inflation and security concerns have fueled public anxiety. In his address, the CAN chairman urges Christians to love Nigeria selflessly, suggesting that the path to stability lies in the ability of citizens to demonstrate empathy and unity regardless of the prevailing political or economic climate.
Bishop Adegbite’s remarks were a central highlight of the Destiny 2026 conference, a four-day event focused on spiritual fortitude and national hope. Beyond the call for love, Adegbite took a firm stance against the pessimistic narratives currently circulating about the country’s future. He dismissed widespread doomsday predictions, asserting that Nigeria’s unity remains intact and that the nation is capable of overcoming its current trials.
“Peace will reign. Every storm shall be subdued,” Adegbite declared, offering a message of stability to a congregation of church leaders and worshippers who have gathered to seek spiritual guidance amidst national uncertainty.
A Convergence of Faith and Celebration
The Destiny 2026 conference was not a standalone event; it coincided with the 38th anniversary of Vineyard Christian Ministries Inc. The dual nature of the gathering allowed the leadership to blend a broader national message with the specific spiritual milestones of the ministry. Under the theme “A Time of Refreshing in His Presence,” the event served as a sanctuary for those seeking respite from the pressures of daily life in one of Africa’s most populous cities.
Archbishop John Osa-Oni, the Presiding Bishop of Vineyard Christian Ministries Inc., shifted the focus toward the internal spiritual life of the believer. He cautioned against the dangers of spiritual discouragement, which he noted can often set in during times of prolonged hardship. Osa-Oni argued that a superficial approach to faith is insufficient for navigating modern challenges.
“You must be intentional in your desire for the knowledge of God to truly recognize Him. It is not a casual relationship; it is a commitment to dwell in His presence for refreshing,” Osa-Oni stated.
The Archbishop further elaborated that securing a divine presence provides a psychological and spiritual buffer, offering “rest, joy, preservation, and access to the divine nature.” He maintained that this internal peace is the primary prerequisite for maintaining external stability during challenging times, adding, “When you secure the presence of God, you secure life.”
The Role of Women in Spiritual Resilience
The conference also highlighted the influence of women within the Nigerian church hierarchy. Apostle Josephine Femi-Asiwaju, the Coordinator of the Lagos State Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Women Wing, spoke to the necessity of persistence in faith. She addressed the reality of human imperfection, urging believers not to let their faults or feelings of weariness distance them from their spiritual practice.
Apostle Femi-Asiwaju emphasized that abiding in faith provides a “clarity of identity,” which is essential for those feeling lost or overwhelmed by the current state of the nation. “Even if your character is faulty and you are weary in life, remain in His presence and abide in Him,” she advised the attendees.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Theme | A Time of Refreshing in His Presence |
| Primary Occasion | Destiny 2026 Conference / 38th Anniversary of Vineyard Christian Ministries Inc. |
| Key Speakers | Bishop Stephen Adegbite, Archbishop John Osa-Oni, Apostle Josephine Femi-Asiwaju |
| Duration | Four Days |
| Location | Lagos, Nigeria |
Why the Message of National Love Matters Now
The insistence that the CAN chairman urges Christians to love Nigeria selflessly is not merely a religious sentiment but a strategic appeal for social cohesion. The Christian Association of Nigeria often acts as a critical intermediary between the government and the populace, advocating for peace and justice in a multi-religious society.
By calling for “sacrificial love” toward national leaders, Adegbite is encouraging a shift from adversarial relationships to a collaborative approach toward nation-building. This perspective suggests that even as criticism of governance is necessary, it must be balanced with a commitment to the country’s survival and success.
the dismissal of “doomsday predictions” addresses a growing trend of digital pessimism. In an era of rapid information flow, negative forecasts regarding Nigeria’s economic collapse or social fragmentation can develop into self-fulfilling prophecies. By asserting that “every storm shall be subdued,” the church leadership aims to counteract this psychological trend with a narrative of resilience.
Impact on the Local Community
The event drew a diverse crowd of worshippers and church leaders from across the Lagos metropolis. For many attendees, the intersection of the Easter season and the anniversary of Vineyard Christian Ministries provided a moment of collective reflection. The overarching message was clear: spiritual renewal is the foundation upon which national renewal is built.
The PFN and CAN’s joint presence at such events underscores the collaborative nature of the Pentecostal and mainline Christian movements in Lagos, working together to provide moral leadership and emotional support to millions of citizens facing economic volatility.
As the Easter season concludes, the focus for these religious bodies will likely shift toward implementing the “sacrificial love” mentioned by Bishop Adegbite through community outreach and social welfare programs, which often fill the gaps in public service delivery.
The next scheduled activities for the Lagos State chapter of CAN will likely involve coordinating post-Easter community initiatives and ongoing dialogues with state authorities to ensure continued stability and peace within the region.
Do you believe religious leadership can effectively bridge the gap between citizens and the government in times of crisis? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
