Methodist Church breaks silence on Nigeria’s crisis

The Prelate of the Methodist Church Nigeria (MCN), Most Rev. Oliver Aba, has called on the Church to play a more active role in addressing Nigeria’s pressing socio-economic challenges.

He made this call on Friday during the opening of the 40th Council of Lay Presidents of the MCN, held at the Methodist Theological Institute, Umuahia.

Speaking through the Secretary of Conference, Dr. Babatunde Taiwo, the Prelate noted that the country continued to grapple with insecurity, economic hardship, and moral decline. He urged the Church not to stand on the sidelines but to lead with hope and faith in Jesus Christ, aligning words with actions to foster change and national stability.

“The Church must remain engaged, offering not just spiritual guidance but practical support in communities across Nigeria,” he said.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the MCN Council of Lay Presidents, Chief Ifeanyi Okechukwu, charged Church leaders to confront Nigeria’s current realities with boldness and vision. He emphasized the evolving role of lay leaders, once marginalized, now standing as key partners with the clergy in safeguarding the mission of the Church.

“We honour our pioneers, but we must now look ahead with faith, vision, and resolve,” he said, describing the theme of the conference, “He Will Rise Again” (John 11:23b), as both a promise and a call to action.

Referencing Isaiah 60:1, Okechukwu urged lay presidents to rise above fear and division and embrace courageous leadership that supports education, welfare, and healthcare for the nation’s most vulnerable.

In a lecture titled “Financial Stewardship,” resource person Prof. Udo Nwokocha stressed the constitutional and spiritual significance of the lay president’s role, urging them to lead with integrity and responsibility under episcopal direction.

In an interview, Mr. Johnson Chukwu, Lay President of the MCN Uzuakoli Diocese, praised the gathering as vital to advancing spiritual growth and evangelism. He highlighted the Church’s historic contributions to education and healthcare in Nigeria and called on Christians to embody their faith through acts of unity and service.

“Our duty is not just to win souls but also to touch lives,” Chukwu concluded.