Pastor Enoch Adeboye, General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), has called on African Pentecostal leaders and scholars to proffer practical solutions to Nigeria’s growing insecurity.
Speaking through his Special Adviser on Administration, Prof. Dele Balogun, Adeboye made the appeal while declaring open the 2026 International Conference on African Pentecostalism at the Redemption City along the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.
The conference, themed “African Pentecostalism and the Politics of Insecurity in Nigeria,” brought together participants from across Nigeria and other countries to discuss the nation’s security challenges.
Adeboye described Nigeria as a richly endowed nation passing through a critical phase, expressing optimism that the country would overcome its challenges through divine intervention and the collective efforts of its citizens.
He identified kidnapping, insurgency, farmer-herder conflicts and communal violence as some of the major security threats confronting the nation, stressing the need for a united response.
According to him, African Pentecostalism has continued to make meaningful contributions to Nigeria’s religious, political, economic and social development despite the prevailing security concerns.
He urged participants to use the conference as a platform to critically assess the root causes of insecurity and propose practical, implementable solutions anchored on Christian ethics and theological principles.
According to him, pentecostalism should go beyond preaching peace by promoting actions capable of producing lasting security and national transformation.
Adeboye cautioned participants against treating the conference as merely an academic exercise, urging them to ensure that deliberations translate into policies and practical interventions.
He expressed optimism that the conference would produce robust recommendations capable of strengthening the role of African Pentecostalism in addressing Nigeria’s insecurity.
“You will agree with me that we are at a defining moment in the history of our nation, Nigeria. By the special grace of God, Nigeria is a blessed country.
“But whether the enemy is happy or not, as we cooperate with God, I believe that Nigeria will fulfill her divine destiny.
“Today, Nigeria is confronted with numerous security challenges, including kidnapping, insurgency, farmer-herder conflicts, communal violence, and many other forms of insecurity.
“Yet, despite these challenges, one major force that has continued to play a pivotal role in the nation’s economic, political, and religious spheres is African Pentecostalism.
“You will agree with me that African Pentecostalism does not merely preach peace or simply spiritualise every issue.
“Rather, it seeks to translate faith into practical action so that, in our time, tangible solutions can emerge to address the problem of insecurity,” he said.
Pastor Sunday Akande, National Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), said African Pentecostalism can provide solutions to Nigeria’s insecurity and governance challenges.
Akande, represented by Dr Josiah Bolarinwa, Assistant Continental Overseer, Research and Development RCCG, urged Nigerians to embrace truth, faith and divine guidance as pathways to freedom, deliverance and national transformation.
He described religion and governance as inseparable in African society, saying pentecostalism promoted spiritual values that could positively influence politics, security and community development.
He said African Pentecostals should actively support community security, encourage members to serve in security agencies and uphold ethical leadership through Christian values and spiritual commitment.
In his welcome address, the Provost of Redeemed Christian Theological College (RCTC), Dr Rotimi Oti, called on scholars and church leaders to provide practical solutions to Nigeria’s security challenges through research and collaboration.
The provost said the gathering was a partnership with the Department of Religious Studies, University of Ibadan, and Redeemers University, Ede.
Delivering the keynote address, Prof. Afe Adogame of Princeton Theological Seminary, U.S.A., called on churches and other faith-based organisations to go beyond prayers by taking practical steps toward addressing insecurity in Nigeria.
Adogame said tackling the country’s security challenges requires the combined efforts of the government, religious institutions, and citizens.
He noted that the strong focus on national security has often overshadowed the broader concept of human security, which includes poverty alleviation, job creation, economic empowerment, and improved living conditions for citizens.
According to him, many churches and religious organisations have placed greater emphasis on spiritual security while paying inadequate attention to socio-economic challenges that contribute to insecurity.
He stressed that prayers alone cannot resolve Nigeria’s security problems, adding that lasting solutions would require faith-driven action, deliberate interventions, and collective responsibility from all stakeholders.