By Chukwuma Umeorah
The Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) has restated its commitment to deepening the political education of its members, fostering national unity, and advocating for economic stability, emphasising its role as a spiritual body with national influence.
Addressing journalists at a press briefing in Lagos yesterday, the National President of PFN, Bishop Francis Wale Oke, outlined the fellowship’s vision for the next four years, stressing the need for greater involvement of Pentecostals in shaping Nigeria’s political and economic future. “We will intensify our efforts on the political education of all our members nationwide so that they may actively participate in the political process of our nation and the emergence of God-fearing leaders at every level of our national political structure.”
He emphasised that while Nigeria’s political landscape is often viewed negatively, meaningful change could only be achieved through active participation.
The Christian body also weighed in on the controversial closure of schools in Northern Nigeria for extended periods due to religious observances. Oke criticised the policy, arguing that it undermined education and national progress.
“The education of our children is fundamental to their future progress and the greatness of our nation. The idea of closing schools for as long as one whole month because of a religious celebration is an indicator of the regression of our nation and should be discouraged.”
Drawing comparisons, he pointed out, “Even in Saudi Arabia, where Islam originated, they don’t do it. So, we shouldn’t be more Catholic than the Pope.” He urged state governors to reconsider such policies, particularly in regions struggling with educational deficits.
Meanwhile, the National Secretary, Bishop David Bakare, clarified that while the PFN as a body remained apolitical as an institution, it recognises the necessity of Christians to actively participate in governance.
“Much as we are not saying that the PFN as a body is going into politics, individual members could be interested. The church has played a huge role through the creation of a Directorate of Politics and Good Governance that helped to educate Pentecostals more and more about our civic responsibility in the political arena.
“The era of standing out and looking is gone. If we are going to sanitise politics, we must get into it,” he emphasised.
Beyond political engagement, PFN also emphasised its role in fostering national unity amid deepening divisions. Bakare noted that the fellowship would leverage its platforms to promote peace and cohesion. “The issue of unity in Nigeria is very important. Every segment of the country is in one camp or the other, but we know that unity is a key factor in national progress,” he said.
Addressing national economic concerns, PFN called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to prioritise policies that alleviate the financial burden on ordinary Nigerians. The national treasurer, Rev. Samuel Aboyeji, acknowledged recent improvements in foreign exchange stability and fuel prices but stressed the need for sustained government intervention. “What we all know and see in the economy, at least for some time, is the issue of instability in foreign exchange, escalating prices. These two things have affected the nation’s economy in no small way,” Aboyeji said.
He urged the government to focus on food security and industrialisation. “Let us move away from a consumer economy to a productive economy. We must invest in agriculture and manufacture what we use. The government should see to the further reduction in the cost of petroleum products to ease transportation and commodity prices,” he advised.
As part of its broader agenda, PFN reaffirmed its commitment to fighting societal vices, pledging to use its influence to promote righteousness and morality. “We will pray, speak and work against all vices, crimes, violence and evils in our society, asking the Lord to eliminate them from our nation so we may all live ‘a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty’ as directed in the scriptures,” Aboyeji stated.