Rev Sam Aboyeji urges Nigerians to build a peaceful nation

The General Overseer of the Foursquare Gospel Church in Nigeria, Rev. Sam Aboyeji, has called on Nigerians, especially youths, to reject violence and promote peace as a path to sustainable national development.

Aboyeji made the call during a media parley ahead of the church’s 13th Annual Public Lecture, scheduled for Thursday, September 10, 2026, at The Marquee, Harbour Point, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The lecture, which begins at 10 a.m., is themed, “Building to Last: Faith, Infrastructure and the Future of a Nation.” The event is open to Nigerians regardless of tribe, race, religion or political affiliation.

Aboyeji said the lecture forms part of activities leading to the church’s 71st Annual National Convention. He said it would create a platform for Nigerians to examine the country’s nation-building challenges and consider practical ways to secure its future.

He said national development should not focus only on physical projects such as roads, bridges, railways, airports, schools and hospitals.

According to him, lasting development also depends on strong institutions and citizens who uphold values such as integrity, competence, vision and responsibility.

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Aboyeji said Nigeria has significant human and natural resources. He also pointed to the country’s entrepreneurial population and large youth population as major strengths.

He, however, said these advantages would not automatically translate into prosperity.He identified infrastructure, effective institutions, responsible citizenship and quality leadership as key factors that would determine Nigeria’s development trajectory.

The cleric also described the 71st National Convention as a major gathering of the Foursquare community in Nigeria. He said the convention would focus on spiritual renewal, fellowship and leadership development, while providing an avenue for members to assess the church’s role in society.

He said the church would also use the convention to renew its commitment to the Great Commission.

The former Minister of State for Budget and Planning, Prince Clement Agba, will chair the public lecture. Dr. Segun Aina, a former Chairman of Odu’a Investment Company, will serve as guest speaker.

The panel will include the Managing Director of the Association for Consulting Engineering in Nigeria, Olufunmilayo Kadri; professional engineer and management executive, Joseph Ciroma; and former Minister of Aviation, Chief Osita Chidoka.

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The Chairman of the 71st National Convention Planning Committee, Rev. Charles Fashola, said the public lecture would place strong emphasis on youth participation.

He said buses would transport students from the University of Lagos, Lagos State University, Covenant University and McPherson University to the event. Members of the National Youth Service Corps will also participate.

Fashola said the organisers expect the programme to expose young Nigerians to ideas that could influence how they view leadership, development and their role in the country’s future. Meanwhile, the church said it had strengthened security arrangements at Ajebo, where the convention camp is located.

The organisers said closed-circuit television cameras had been installed across the camp. They also said personnel from the various arms of the security forces would maintain surveillance throughout the programme.

The church also said it had made adequate accommodation arrangements for participants attending the convention.

source: Guardian News