Ositelu urges govt to prioritise policies that reduce inflation, ensure food security

…Asks FG to strengthen intelligence gathering, security institutions to fight insurgency

Rufus Okikiola Ositelu, the Primate of the Church of the Lord (TCL) Worldwide, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise policies that would reduce inflation and ensure food security as well as create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

He made the call while delivering his address at the 89th Tabieorar Festival with the theme ‘Marvellous God,’ held at Ogere Remo, Ogun State, noting that although the country is currently facing some challenges, that government should invest more in agriculture to boost food security.

“Although, the country is facing some challenges, like economic hardship, insecurity unemployment and corruption, but it has recorded few success but a lot still needs to be done by the present administration.

“But government needs to create favourable business environment, foster innovation, promote entrepreneurship so that people can establish local industries so as to create jobs and we will depend less on importation.

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The government, he further, said should strengthen intelligence gathering and security institutions as well foster greater coordination/ collaboration among security agencies

“While this is vital for effective security operations, government should improve border security, check inflow of weapons and entry of criminal elements into the country. There is also need for regional and community policing.

Ositelu, a doctorate degree holder in computer science said Nigerian youth should be empowered saying “they are future leaders.”

According to him, the energy of our youths should be channeled into innovation, technology and entrepreneurship. By creating an enabling environment for the youths can turn frustration into national productivity.

While saying Nigerian youths are vibrant, he stated that , they should be equipped with skills,resources and opportunities to thrive so as to contribute to the development of the country.

Ositelu, who also serves as the World Council of Churches (WCC) President for Africa,called for fighting corruption with renewed commitment but noted that “fighting corruption should be nurtured and strengthened to fight the monster”

To achieve good governance in Nigeria,the Primate posited that rule of law must be strengthened while transparency and accountability should be promoted.

“Citizens participation and prioritising development should be looked into, protection of human rights is vital, appointment opportunities must be on competence and not on ethnicity or favouritism while merit should be a key factor in civil service.

On national unity, Ositelu urged leaders at all levels in the country to promote inclusivity through education and public discourse adding that they should strengthen institutions that bridge divides, and address systemic inequalities to ensure every ethnic and religious group feels represented.

The clergy man who said that the church is an integral part of the society stated that the church has a duty to contribute to national development.

Welcoming worshippers from across the world, he commended their faith and resilience and encouraged Christians to use the festival as a time of reflection, holiness, and rededication.

He stressed that “those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles.”

The annual Tabieorar Festival, which began in 1937, is one of the largest spiritual gatherings of the Church of the Lord (TCL) worldwide, bringing millions of faithful from Nigeria and abroad.

While praying for the country, he said “may Nigeria’s glory be restored, and may peace and prosperity reign in our land,”

” Nigeria is like a prodigal son who lavish all its inheritance and now trying to find its way to former glory saying i will expose the wicked.

“As we celebrate, we lift our nation before the throne of grace. There will surely be light at the end of the tunnel,” he assured.

The primate also offered prayers for peace, prosperity, and wisdom for Nigerian leaders, declaring that righteousness remains the foundation for national progress.

He however concluded with a prophetic blessing, declaring the 2025 Tabieorar Festival as a turning point for Nigeria, its people, and the church.

The dignitaries that graced the ceremony were Senator Gbenga Daniel, a former governor of Ogun state, Ladi Adebutu, the Peoples Democratic Party, governorship candidate in Ogun State in 2023, monarchs, among others.