Obasanjo urges Church to be ‘Militant’ in driving righteousness, transformation

Former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on the Nigerian Church to actively engage in societal transformation, urging them to reclaim their prophetic role.

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Being an ex-military man, I understand what being militant means. It means to be zealous and active in service.

During the Golden Jubilee celebration of The Apostolic Church Nigeria (TACN), LAWMNA Territory, Obasanjo challenged Christians to be "zealous and active in service," clarifying his use of the term "militant" as a call for dedication, not violence.

He expressed concern over Nigeria's persistent insecurity, poverty, and social issues, questioning why these problems persist despite a significant Christian population and numerous churches. Obasanjo suggested that a more committed "militant Church" could have led to greater progress in the country.

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In Nigeria, do we have peace, security, prosperity and love, yet we have churches?

The former president, who recently attended a European meeting on global peace, emphasized that the Church has a responsibility to promote peace, love, righteousness, and genuine human transformation. He stated that Nigeria could achieve prosperity if the Church remained committed to its values and responsibilities, moving away from its current state plagued by poverty and insecurity.

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If we have a militant Church on earth and in Nigeria, it would have been a different situation for us in this country.

Meanwhile, the National President of TACN, Pastor Lawrence Olusesan Oladele, highlighted the severe challenges and persecution the Church faces globally. He warned of a growing threat against Christianity in some regions and urged believers to remain committed to defending their faith, viewing themselves as soldiers in a spiritual battle.

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For Nigeria to become a land flowing with milk and honey, rather than a nation plagued by poverty and insecurity, we must be zealous and active as the Church Militant on earth.