The Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Oliver Ali Aba , has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that the rising lev...
The Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, has warned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that the rising levels of hunger and inflation are fueling insecurity in Nigeria, and urged the government to act urgently to address the worsening economic crisis.
Dr. Aba made the remarks at the 43rd Council of Bishops of the Methodist Church Nigeria, held at the Methodist Cathedral of Unity, Wuse, Abuja. The event was officially opened by President Tinubu, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume.
“All Nigerians will agree that we face three major challenges: hunger, inflation, and insecurity,” Dr. Aba said. “I believe insecurity is the root cause of the other two, and by addressing it, we can pave the way for normalcy and progress.”
He urged leaders at all levels of government to confront the situation head-on.
“As a Church, we urge those in positions of authority to confront these anomalies with the honesty and seriousness they demand,” he added. “Governments at all levels must take decisive action to tackle these issues, for no nation can prosper under the weight of such challenges.”
President Tinubu, in his message delivered by Senator Akume, praised the Methodist Church for its historic contributions to Nigeria’s development in education, healthcare, and social reform.
“The partnership between church and state is essential for the well-being of our citizens, and we remain committed to strengthening this collaboration for the greater good,” Tinubu said.
He added that the theme of the 43rd Council, “He Will Rise Again,” aligns with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“After years of grappling with unsustainable subsidies, Nigeria is, indeed, rising again,” he said.
Tinubu also acknowledged that many of Nigeria’s founding fathers, such as Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and Louis Ojukwu, were products of Methodist educational institutions.
“The history of our nation’s development cannot be told without acknowledging the pivotal role played by the Methodist Church Nigeria,” he stated.
President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Archbishop Daniel Okoh, who was also present at the event, applauded the Methodist Church for its dedication to unity, justice, and nation-building.
“In an era marked by uncertainty, insecurity, and socio-political turbulence, your consistent efforts in building bridges across denominational divides, fostering harmony among believers, and providing hope to the weary are acts of great courage and profound obedience to the call of Christ,” Archbishop Okoh said.
He encouraged the bishops to remain steadfast in their mission.
“Your visible impact in education, healthcare, and moral leadership is commendable. I urge you to continue serving with integrity, spiritual depth, and unwavering commitment,” he said.
The Council of Bishops is an annual gathering that focuses on spiritual renewal, ministerial leadership, and reaffirming the Methodist Church’s mission in Nigeria. The 2025 edition marked its 43rd session, with leaders and representatives from across the country in attendance.
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