By ABEL LEONARD
The Presiding Bishop and founder of Faith Hills Assembly Worldwide, Archbishop Emmanuel Musa Jatau, has emphasised that the church has responsibilities to perform in the country.
In an interview with Saturday Sun, the cleric noted that one of the responsibilities of the church is to act as the voice of the voiceless.
He expressed deep concern over the temporary nature of government interventions, such as palliatives, which, though providing some kind of immediate relief, have failed to address the root causes of the economic hardships faced by millions of Nigerians.
Archbishop Jatau believes that Nigeria has the capacity to overcome its challenges and chart a path towards lasting stability and prosperity.
He also spoke about some of Nigeria’s most pressing challenges, including insecurity and food production.
What inspired you to establish Faith Hills Assembly, and how has the journey been so far?
Thank you for having me. The journey to establishing Faith Hills Assembly was deeply rooted in a divine calling I received many years ago. I felt a strong urge to create a ministry that would focus on nurturing believers and spreading the message of hope and salvation. It hasn’t been an easy journey, but through God’s grace, we have been able to touch lives and grow our ministry both locally and globally.
The church has indeed grown significantly. What would you say are the core values that have driven this growth?
Our core values are centred around faith, love, and community service. We believe in teaching the undiluted word of God, helping the less fortunate, and creating a community where everyone feels welcome and valued. These principles have not only attracted people but have also kept them committed to the vision.
You mentioned community service. Can you elaborate on some of the initiatives your church has undertaken in this regard?
Certainly. Over the years, Faith Hills Assembly has been involved in various community outreach programmes. We have organised free medical camps, educational support for underprivileged children, and skills acquisition programmes for the unemployed. Our goal is to impact society positively, reflecting Christ’s love in practical ways.
In today’s world, the church faces numerous challenges. What are some of the significant challenges you’ve encountered, and how have you addressed them?
One of the major challenges we face is the growing secularism and the shifting moral values in society. We also grapple with the financial demands of running a ministry, especially when trying to meet the needs of our congregation and the community. To address these challenges, we’ve remained steadfast in prayer, adapted our strategies to engage with the younger generation, and encouraged our members to be generous in their giving.
Speaking of the younger generation, how does Faith Hills Assembly engage with the youth, especially in a world dominated by technology and social media?
We recognise that the youth are the future of the church, so we place a strong emphasis on youth programmes. We have vibrant youth ministries that incorporate music, drama, and social media outreach to engage them. We also hold regular seminars and workshops that address issues relevant to young people, such as career development, relationships, and mental health.
As the founder of such a growing ministry, what is your vision for the future of Faith Hills Assembly?
My vision is to see Faith Hills Assembly continue to expand its reach globally, establishing more branches and touching more lives. I also envision the church becoming a significant player in social transformation, particularly in Africa, by providing solutions to the continent’s challenges through faith-based initiatives.
Before we wrap up, what message would you like to leave with our readers?
I would like to encourage everyone to hold on to their faith, no matter the challenges they face. God has a purpose for each of us, and it’s through faith and perseverance that we can fulfil that purpose. Let us all strive to live lives that glorify God and make a positive impact on those around us.
Nigeria has been facing significant challenges, particularly in areas such as insecurity and agriculture. From your perspective, how do these issues affect the nation, and what role do you believe the church can play in addressing them?
Indeed, insecurity and agricultural decline are two critical issues plaguing our nation. Insecurity has had a devastating impact on the lives of Nigerians, disrupting communities, displacing families, and creating a climate of fear. This insecurity extends to the agricultural sector, which is the backbone of our economy. Farmers are afraid to go to their fields, and this has led to a significant drop in food production, contributing to the hunger and poverty many are experiencing today.
The church has a vital role to play in addressing these challenges. First, we must continue to pray fervently for peace in our land. But beyond prayer, we must also advocate for justice, fairness, and good governance. The church can serve as a voice for the voiceless, calling on the government and relevant stakeholders to take decisive action to protect lives and property.
What specific strategies do you think should be adopted to revitalise agriculture in the face of these challenges?
To revitalise agriculture, we need a multifaceted approach. Firstly, there must be a concerted effort to restore security in rural areas where most farming activities occur. The government should strengthen security agencies and involve local communities in safeguarding their territories.
Secondly, there should be investment in modern agricultural techniques and technologies. Providing farmers with access to improved seeds, fertilizers, and mechanized equipment can significantly boost productivity. Additionally, we need to focus on building infrastructure such as roads, storage facilities, and markets to ensure that farmers can get their produce to consumers efficiently.
Furthermore, I believe the church can contribute by empowering its members through training in modern farming methods and by setting up cooperative societies that can support smallholder farmers with resources and knowledge. This will not only enhance food security but also create jobs and reduce poverty.
You’ve touched on the importance of community involvement and empowerment. Could you share more on how Faith Hills Assembly has been involved in these areas?
At Faith Hills Assembly, we have initiated several programmes aimed at empowering our members and the broader community. For instance, we organise workshops and seminars on sustainable agriculture, where experts come to educate our people on best farming practices. We also encourage the formation of cooperative groups that pool resources together to access better farming inputs and finance.
Moreover, we provide support to those affected by insecurity through our welfare programmes. We have helped displaced families with food, shelter, and counselling, ensuring they are not left behind in these trying times. We believe that by supporting one another and working together, we can overcome these challenges and build a stronger, more resilient nation.
What, in your opinion, is the way forward for Nigeria in overcoming these challenges, particularly in fostering unity and development?
The way forward for Nigeria lies in unity, good governance, and a renewed commitment to national development. We must bridge the divides—whether ethnic, religious, or political—that have long hindered our progress. It is crucial for leaders at all levels to be transparent, accountable, and focused on the welfare of the people.
The church must continue to play its part by preaching unity and peace, encouraging our leaders to do what is right, and fostering a spirit of collaboration among the people. We must also invest in our youth, as they are the future leaders of this nation. By providing them with education, mentorship, and opportunities, we can equip them to lead Nigeria into a new era of prosperity and peace.
The federal government recently introduced various palliative measures to cushion the economic hardships faced by Nigerians. What is your take on these interventions?
While the palliatives provided by the federal government are a welcome gesture, it’s important to understand that they are merely a temporary fix and not a sustainable solution to the underlying issues facing our nation. The distribution of cash transfers, food items, and other forms of aid can provide short-term relief, especially for the most vulnerable in our society. However, these measures do not address the root causes of the economic challenges we face.
The problem with palliatives is that they are, by nature, short-lived. They can alleviate immediate suffering, but once the resources are exhausted, the people are left in the same situation, or, sometimes, even worse, if no long-term strategies are in place. Therefore, while palliatives can play a role in times of crisis, they should not be seen as a comprehensive solution to our economic problems.
If palliatives are not the ultimate solution, what do you believe should be done to create lasting change and economic stability in Nigeria?
Lasting change requires a holistic approach that goes beyond temporary aid. First and foremost, the government needs to focus on economic empowerment and job creation. We must develop policies that stimulate economic growth, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and encourage entrepreneurship. By creating more opportunities for people to earn a decent living, we can reduce the dependency on palliatives.
Education and skills development are also critical. Our educational system needs to be reformed to equip young people with the skills that are relevant in today’s job market. By investing in education, we prepare the next generation to contribute meaningfully to the economy and break the cycle of poverty.
Additionally, there needs to be a concerted effort to address the structural issues that exacerbate economic instability. This includes tackling corruption, improving infrastructure, and ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and transparently. When the government and private sector work together to build a robust and inclusive economy, the need for palliatives will naturally diminish.
You’ve mentioned that these measures should be part of a broader strategy. How can the church contribute to this broader strategy of economic empowerment and stability?
The church has a unique role to play in fostering economic empowerment and stability. Through our various programmes, we can provide training and support for our members in areas such as financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and vocational skills. By empowering individuals with knowledge and resources, we help them to become self-reliant and contribute positively to the economy.
Moreover, the church can advocate policies that promote social justice and economic equity. We can use our platform to hold leaders accountable and ensure that the voices of the poor and marginalized are heard. By promoting a culture of integrity, hard work, and community support, we can help create an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Given the current economic challenges, what message would you like to convey to the government and the people of Nigeria?
My message to the government is to focus on sustainable solutions that address the root causes of our economic challenges. While palliatives are necessary in times of crisis, we must also invest in long-term strategies that promote economic stability, job creation, and social welfare. To the people of Nigeria, I urge patience and resilience. We must work together, support one another, and hold our leaders accountable. It is only through collective effort and faith in God that we can overcome these challenges and build a better future for our nation.