Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has challenged the Church in Nigeria to confront the nation’s growing challenges of poverty, insecurity and unrighteousness with what he described as, “militant” faith, saying the country would have been in a better position if Christians had been more zealous and active in advancing righteousness and societal transformation.
Obasanjo issued the charge yesterday while speaking at the weeklong Golden Jubilee of the Annual LAWNA International Convention of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, at the National Temple, Olorunda-Ketu, Lagos.
Clarifying his use of the word “militant,” the former military officer said it should not be interpreted as violence but as commitment, passion and active service in fulfilling God’s purpose.
“Being an ex-military man, I understand what being militant means. It means to be zealous and active in service,” he said.
Reflecting on Nigeria’s situation despite its large Christian population, Obasanjo asked, “Do we have peace, security, prosperity and love, yet we have churches?”
He urged believers to rise to their responsibility to transform society through peace, love and righteousness, insisting that “if we have a militant Church on earth and in Nigeria, it would have been a different situation for us in this country.”
According to him, for Nigeria to become “a land flowing with milk and honey” rather than one burdened by poverty, insecurity and moral decline, the Church must become more committed to its divine mandate.
“Children of God, we have a task ahead of us. We have challenges, and Christ expects us to fulfil our responsibilities and confront those challenges. God will empower us to carry out our duties,” he said, while congratulating the Church on the 50th anniversary of the convention.
The 2026 LAWNA Territory International Convention, themed “Church Militant on Earth” and anchored on 1 Timothy 6:12, began on August 1 and will end on August 7 at the LAWNA International Convention Grounds, Olorunda-Ketu, Lagos.
In his sermon, the National President of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, Lawrence Olusesan Oladele, said the Church is facing intense persecution in different parts of the world and must remain spiritually alert.
He urged Christians to see themselves as soldiers of Christ, engaged in spiritual warfare against Satan, warning that believers who continue in sinful lifestyles cannot claim to be faithful soldiers of Christ.
Oladele encouraged Christians to stand firm in the victory secured by Christ through His resurrection and to remain steadfast in defending the faith.
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