Gospel Music can heal, restore Nigeria – Cleric

The Senior Pastor of Freedom Life International Christian Centre, Richard Tochukwu, has declared that gospel music possesses the power to heal, restore and transform Nigeria, describing it as a potent spiritual instrument for national renewal.

Speaking with journalists in Lagos, the cleric, who is also a gospel singer, said divinely inspired music can bring peace, comfort and positive change to the nation’s spiritual and socio-political landscape.

According to him, gospel music is more than entertainment; it is a vehicle for God’s intervention in troubled times.

Tochukwu made the remarks while discussing his new worship single, “I Want To Pray,” a prayer-centred song produced by Audio5. The track, he explained, is designed to stir believers and encourage consistency in fellowship with God.

He described the song as a heartfelt declaration of hope and perseverance, inspired by Luke 18:1: “Men ought always to pray and not to faint.”

On the source of his musical inspiration, the cleric, a spiritual son of Paul Enenche, said Scripture remains central to his creative process.

“Primarily through the Word of God. Many times, after studying or preaching from Scripture, a song will flow from that passage. Sometimes it comes during meditation or prayer. But the major source is Scripture. While reading or preaching, a verse will inspire a melody and lyrics,” he said.

Reflecting on his journey into music ministry, Tochukwu revealed that his transition from instrumentalist to recording artiste was divinely directed.

“I was a drummer, and I also sang. When I started ministry, songs began to flow, though I did not initially pay much attention to them. I thought it was just a gift. But as time went on, the Lord told me that these songs could also minister to people. You do not minister only through preaching; you can minister through songs as well.

“It is not just passion; it is divine instruction. The Lord told me that I could also preach His Word through songs. So most of our songs express God’s Word in different dimensions. We preach the raw Word of God, and our songs carry the same message. The Lord made me understand that music is another channel through which His Word can be preached. Every song we release is backed by Scripture. That is how intentional and powerful it is.”

The cleric, who combines pastoral ministry with music in Lagos, maintained that gospel music, when rooted in Scripture, can serve as a tool for healing broken hearts, restoring hope and fostering national transformation.

The audio and video of “I Want To Pray” are currently available on major digital platforms.