PRESS RELEASE: The Christian Council of Nigeria Calls for Justice, Resilience and National Renewal

Ibadan, August 14, 2025 – The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) has called on Nigerians to remain resilient and to continue trusting in God, even as the nation grapples with deepening economic hardships, rising insecurity, and social distrust.

The charge came during the opening of the Council’s 2025 National Standing Committee meeting held at their Institute of Church and Society (ICS), Ibadan.

The high-level gathering brought together church leaders like His Eminence Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Israel Akanji, President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, representatives of other heads of denominations, Archbishops, Bishops, other delegates from CCN 16 member churches, Women, Youth, ecumenical Partners including the President of the Student Christian Movement of Nigeria (SCM) Dr. Adebayo Kolade and civil society actors under the theme: “Trust and Resilience in Times Like This” (Psalm 11:3).

In his address to the National Standing Committee, The CCN President and Archbishop of Owerri Ecclesiastical Province (Church of Nigeria Anglican Communion) Most Rev. Dr. David O. C. Onuoha lamented the state of governance in Nigeria, noting that “the foundations of justice, fairness, and accountability are being eroded by widespread corruption, hunger, and insecurity.”

He called on government at all levels to place people’s welfare above political interests and adopt policies that ensure food security, peace, and sustainable development.

Onuoha stressed the need for periodic policy reviews to ensure citizens directly benefit from programmes and policies of government. He said that “human welfare, not statistical figures, must guide the measurement of government reforms success”.

He further called on Nigerians to trust in God and be resilient in the face of hardships as all economic problems facing the nation could not be solved overnight.

The CCN President expressed surprise that until now, the autonomy of the Local Government Councils are still being toyed with as their allocations from the federation account is still not allowed to go to them directly from the federal government or fully released to them through the State governments. He called on the Governors to obey court ruling on the matter.

The CCN President highlighted CCN’s ongoing humanitarian efforts in disaster response, peacebuilding, and interfaith dialogue.

He also drew attention to the historic role the Institute of Church and Society (ICS), Ibadan has played over the years. The Institute popularly known for her ecumenical research programmes, policy advocacy and trainings on issues ranging from social, economic, political to environmental education marks her 61 years anniversary having been established in 1964.

The Director of the Institute, The Very Rev. Kolade Fadahunsi took the church leaders including the President on a facility tour on arrival at the Institute just before the commencement of the Standing Committee.

The meeting featured prayers for national healing, discussions on the Church’s prophetic witness, and renewed commitment to social justice and community service across Nigeria.

The President concluded by urging citizens not to lose hope: “Even when the foundations are shaken, God remains our strength, and together as a people we can rebuild a just and prosperous nation.”

Signed:

The Rt. Rev. Evans Onyemara, Ph.D.,

General Secretary.

Info@ccnnigeria.org.ng