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…accuses politicians of promoting ethnic, religious division
From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Revd Dr. Henry Ndukuba has congratulated Nigerians on the 65th independence anniversary, particularly for managing its fragile peace and unity in the past 65 years.
He stated that no country could face the battles that Nigeria faced in the present and past and remain strong and united as being witnessed in Nigeria.
The Primate, in his independence day message delivered at the opening ceremony of the 2025 World Mission Congress (WMC), in Abuja, accussed politicians of widening the gaps of religious and tribal differences in Nigeria, thus using it for their personal political gains.
He challenged the politicians to retrace their steps, serve as unifers, and bridge builders instead of working on widening the gaps that divided the people for their political gains.
He made reference to decades ago when the founding fathers of the country, alongside political and community leaders, champion and prioritize engagements that cement the unity of the country. “Unfortunately, the reverse seems to be the case today.
“Nigerians are increasing being divided by these crops of leaders. The younger ones are daily reminded of their tribe and religion differences, thereby increasing the growing animosity among the people,” he said.
The Primate registered his concerns with the socioeconomic and security challenges that’s ravaging the country, suspecting a collusion with some people within the community and political levels.
He asked Nigerians to rise to the occasion and reject the activities of some of the unpatriotic politicians who could go all out to create a crisis for their selfish gains.
“At 65, I think that as we look back to what we have passed through as peoples and as a nation, we have every reason to give glory and thanks to God. No nation will pass through what Nigeria has passed through and still remain strong.
“But apart from that, I think there has been a shift in the understanding of what leadership for this nation is. Going from the time of independence and our fathers who fought for the freedom of this nation, I believe that if they were to come back and see what is happening now, most of them would be very sad.
“I think the kind of open-heartedness with which they embraced everybody and worked as one people, whether you are from East, West, North or South, there was a unity, a bond, a common focus, not only for the political freedom but also for economic and social and cultural emancipation.
“Sadly, the crop of leaders that we have now are those that have entitlement mentality. They feel that they have done so much and, therefore, will be rewarded.”
Chairman, WMC Planning Team, The Most Rev Dr. Edmund Akanya, in his remarks, said, “we gather under the banner of Christ, united by a common purpose to reaffirm our calling to ‘Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations”
“With the theme of the Congress as ‘Arise and Shine: Pushing The Frontier of Global Mission; This congress is not merely an event; it is a divine appointment to a sacred time to reflect, to strategize, and to renew our commitment to the Great Commission.
“In a world with cultural shifts, spiritual challenges, and urgent human needs, the
mission of the Church has never been more vital. We are honoured by the presence of mission leaders, faithful servants, and participants from diverse nations and backgrounds.
“Your presence here testifies that the work of missions is truly global, transcending boundaries of race, language, and culture, as we stand together as one Body of Christ. Throughout this congress, we shall learn, share experiences, pray together, and explore innovative strategies to advance the gospel in our generation.”
