“It’s time for righteous leadership and national renewal” — Archbishop Taiwo Akinola calls Nigerians to action 

…as Rhema celebrates 34 World Convention 

The Presiding Bishop of Rhema Christian Church & Towers, Archbishop Dr. Taiwo Akinola, has called on Nigerians to embrace righteous leadership, national unity, and a spirit of renewal, declaring that “Nigeria’s story is not over” despite the prevailing socio-economic challenges facing the nation.
Speaking at the Rhema World Press Conference 2025 held at Champion Peace Cathedral, Temidire, Sango-Ota, ahead of the Church’s 34th Rhema World Convention, Archbishop Akinola addressed both spiritual and national issues with passion and prophetic insight, urging the government and citizens alike to act in justice, compassion, and unity.

“This year’s convention,” he said, “is not just another gathering—it’s a divine encounter for transformation under the theme ‘The God of All Possibilities’ (Luke 1:37). We believe God will use this moment to release dramatic solutions to life’s challenges—for with our God, nothing shall be impossible.”

The highly anticipated Rhema World Convention 2025 will hold from November 2nd to 9th at the Church’s headquarters on the Lagos-Abeokuta Expressway, Temidire, Sango-Ota, Ogun State. The week-long event will feature teachings, healing services, and vibrant worship sessions designed to inspire spiritual renewal and national hope.

Akinola described the annual convention as “a celebration of God’s abiding presence, glory, and faithfulness over 34 years of ministry.” He affirmed, “We continue to march forward in God’s plan to raise a multitude of glorious people—people of His power, purity, and purpose.”

The Archbishop revealed that the opening ceremony would commence with an Anniversary Lecture at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, November 2nd, across all parishes, followed by the grand opening celebration at 5:00 p.m. at the Ota headquarters. Daily programs will include prayer, strategic seminars, miracle services, ministers’ conferences, and evening rallies.

“We expect a large turnout of Champions and friends from around the world,” he said joyfully. “Camp accommodation and two free meals per day will be provided for everyone. Truly, this is a time of refreshing and revival.”

Prominent gospel ministers, including Bishop Victor Akilla, Bishop Abiodun Akinteye, Bishop Israel Alaya, and several others, will minister alongside the host, Archbishop Akinola, and his wife, Bishop (Mrs.) Ireti Akinola. The convention will climax with a Family Thanksgiving and Harvest of Blessings on Sunday, November 9th, where “apostolic blessings will be released upon all families present.”

Beyond spiritual preparations, the Church has also planned medical outreaches, welfare distributions, and other social interventions during the week-long event. “The less privileged will not be forgotten,” Akinola emphasized. “We are committed to meeting both spiritual and physical needs.”

But the Bishop did not stop at ecclesiastical matters. Turning to national issues under the segment titled “State of the Nation: A Call to Righteous Leadership, Unity, and National Renewal,” Akinola offered a heartfelt critique of Nigeria’s socio-political condition, anchored on faith and moral responsibility.

“Nigeria is richly endowed with human and natural resources,” he lamented, “yet her people continue to struggle under the weight of economic hardship, insecurity, and social injustice. This is not God’s plan for our nation.”

He highlighted the widening gap between economic growth and citizens’ welfare. “The GDP may be rising, but the people are sinking,” Akinola warned. “We urge the government to anchor its economic policies on justice and compassion—growth must be inclusive, not elitist.”

Addressing youth unemployment, the Archbishop described it as a “national and moral emergency.” He called on the government, private sector, and faith-based institutions to “invest massively in vocational training, digital skills, and entrepreneurship.” In his words, “Our youth are a divine asset, not a burden. We must restore their hope.”

On the growing spate of violence against Christians, Akinola cited Nigeria’s ranking on the 2024 Open Doors World Watch List, which placed the country sixth globally for persecution. “We condemn these attacks in the strongest terms,” he said. “While we preach forgiveness and peace, peace must rest on justice.”

He further decried the persistent ASUU strikes, calling them a betrayal of future generations. “Education is a sacred trust,” he said firmly. “Both government and unions must put the future of our children first.”

Touching on insecurity, the Archbishop noted with concern that over 554 deaths were recorded in a single month due to violence and abductions. “No region is safe. We must overhaul our security system and support our forces with better welfare,” he advised.

Akinola also expressed alarm over Nigeria’s rising debt, now at ₦149.39 trillion, according to the Debt Management Office. “This borrowing spree is mortgaging our children’s future,” he cautioned. “Borrowing must fund productivity, not politics.”

He urged political leaders to return to integrity and service, declaring, “Leadership must be redefined as service, not self-enrichment. ‘Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.’”

In a message that resonated with both faith and patriotism, Archbishop Akinola concluded, “With repentance, integrity, and collective action, this nation shall rise again. Nigeria’s story is not over.”

Quoting 2 Chronicles 7:14, he added, “If my people who are called by my name shall humble themselves and pray… then will I heal their land.”

In closing, the Archbishop offered a powerful benediction: “May God heal Nigeria, restore her dignity, and bless our land with peace, justice, and prosperity. God bless the Church of Jesus Christ worldwide. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

As Rhema Christian Church prepares for its 34th annual world convention, Archbishop Akinola’s words serve as both a call to revival and a national conscience—urging Nigerians to believe once again in the God of all possibilities.