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By Vera Wisdom-Bassey
The General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Rev. Sam Aboyeji, has urged Christians across the world to recognise their responsibility in nation building, stressing that they are not exempted from shaping society and contributing to national progress.
Rev. Aboyeji made this call during a press briefing with journalists at the church’s headquarters in Yaba, Lagos.
He emphasised that as citizens of Nigeria, Christians must play an active role in fostering unity, promoting moral values, upholding integrity and showing commitment to civil governance.
“Nation building comes in many ways, including by fostering unity, morals, integrity and being committed to civil government,” he said. “These are all tenets of faith that we, as believers, preach and teach. Nigeria is a project that must not be left in the hands of the government alone; every citizen must play his or her own part.”
As part of its contribution to national development, the Foursquare Gospel Church announced its 12th Annual Public Lecture, scheduled for September 17 in Lagos. The lecture, themed, “Poverty Alleviation, Economic Development and Stability of the Nigerian Economy,” will commence at 11am.
The event will be chaired by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, with Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, as special guest of honour. The chief lecturer will be Dr. Doyin Salami, former chief economic adviser to the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. Other prominent speakers and stakeholders are also expected.
Rev. Aboyeji explained that the lecture forms part of a three-in-one programme designed to address both spiritual and national issues. The other events include the church’s 70th Annual Convention, scheduled for October 6 to 12, at the Ajebo CampGround, Ogun State, and the Holy Spirit Refreshing Dew programme, a special service celebrating Nigeria at 65, to be held on October 1, at Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
Speaking on the economic challenges facing the nation, Aboyeji raised concerns over Nigeria’s poverty rate, which he described as alarming. According to him, data from April 2025 showed that 75 percent of the rural population and a significant percentage of the urban population live below the poverty line.
“Poverty issues must be the concern of everyone,” he declared. “The government must intensify efforts to tackle poverty, but stakeholders, including religious institutions, businesses and citizens, also have a duty to collaborate in finding solutions.”
He noted that poverty alleviation remains central to economic stability and social harmony, stressing that the church was committed to providing platforms for dialogue, research and action-oriented recommendations.
He concluded by inviting the public, stakeholders and policymakers to attend the public lecture and contribute to the ongoing discussions about Nigeria’s economic future.
