Nigeria at 65: A Dawn of Hope

Christian Leaders Unite for Hope and Renewal at Abuja Service

Abuja, Nigeria: As Nigeria celebrates its 65th anniversary, a powerful message of hope and renewal resonated from the heart of the nation’s capital.

On Sunday, September 28, 2025, top government dignitaries and Christian leaders gathered at the National Christian Centre, Abuja, for an Inter-Denominational Church Service to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.

The Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN) was a prominent voice at the event, underscoring the Church’s vital role in nation-building.

The General Secretary of the CCN, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Evans Onyemara, led the Council’s representation, standing alongside other key figures to offer prayers for the nation’s peace, progress, and prosperity.

The service was a profound display of unity, bringing together various political and religious leaders to seek divine intervention for the country’s challenges.

The event saw a high-powered delegation from the government, including the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, and the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, who represented the Federal Government.

Both leaders emphasized the need for cooperation and patience as the administration pursues bold reforms for a lasting transformation.

In a show of ecumenical solidarity, the President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Francis Wale Oke, also delivered a powerful message of unity and resilience.

The impactful gathering reinforces the message that as Nigeria charts its course forward, spiritual guidance and unified prayers are essential.

The event, served as a beacon of light, reminding all citizens that faith and collective effort are the cornerstones of a stronger nation.

General Secretary’s Post-Event Press Briefing

Following the inspiring service, the General Secretary of the Christian Council of Nigeria, The Rt. Rev. Dr. Evans Onyemara, addressed members of the press, including the CCN Media.

In an impassioned speech, he offered a message of hope and challenge to all Nigerians.

“Today, we gathered not just as leaders, but as servants of God and patriots of this great nation. We came to anoint our land with prayers and to speak a new day into existence for Nigeria. While the journey has been long and at times, difficult, we must remember that a nation is not defined by its struggles, but by its resilience. Our survival over 65 years is a testament to God’s grace and the unwavering spirit of the Nigerian people.”

To every Nigerian feeling the weight of the moment, I want to say: a better tomorrow is not just a dream—it is our divine promise. We have prayed, and we believe that our collective efforts will lead to the national renewal we all desire. But this journey is a partnership. The government has its role, and the Church has a sacred duty to play.

“My message to the Church in Nigeria is this: Do not relent. Do not grow weary in well-doing. The Church is not just a building; it is a movement. We must continue to be the moral compass of our society, the voice for justice, and the hand that serves the poor and the marginalized. We must take our rightful place in shaping the destiny of this nation, inspiring our members to be good citizens, to hold our leaders accountable in love, and to remain steadfast in faith.

Let us be the salt and light that purifies and illuminates our nation, making Nigeria truly what God wants it to be—a great and prosperous land for all.

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