RCCG Pastor Cautions Nigerian Leaders on Power Abuse
RCCG pastor David Okoror has urged Nigerian leaders to exercise their authority wisely and prioritise the protection and well-being of citizens.
Okoror gave the advice on Sunday during the church’s Yoruba Cultural Sunday celebration in Abuja. The programme featured the theme, “Our Culture Is Not Evil and Should Not Die.”
The cleric, who is also a security expert, acknowledged the country’s challenges, particularly insecurity, unemployment and economic hardship. Despite the country’s challenges, he encouraged Nigerians to continue thanking God and maintaining their faith.
Citing 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Okoror reminded Christians of the importance of giving thanks in every situation. He added that Nigeria’s continued unity, despite its problems, remained a reason for hope and gratitude.
The pastor said the church honoured Yoruba heritage to recognise the community’s achievements in education, medicine, industry and other professional fields globally. According to him, the participation of people from different ethnic backgrounds showed that cultural celebrations could strengthen national unity and encourage peaceful coexistence.
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Although he is not Yoruba, Okoror wore traditional attire associated with the ethnic group. He explained that embracing another community’s traditions could promote mutual respect and understanding.
The cleric also urged government officials to prioritise the welfare of Nigerians. He urged leaders to safeguard citizens against insecurity, hunger, joblessness and poverty.
Okoror cautioned that the misuse of authority could lead to the loss of citizens’ rights and resources. He maintained that leadership should serve as a means of protecting the public rather than exploiting them.
Despite the country’s difficulties, the pastor expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future. He urged Nigerians to trust in God and stay optimistic about a better future. The Parish Pastor, Otumba Oreoluwa Ariba, described the celebration as a way of appreciating God through Yoruba traditions.He likened the celebration to the Oju de Oba festival in Ogun State, his home state.
Ariba explained that the church incorporated Yoruba language, music and traditional clothing into its service to demonstrate that Christianity and cultural identity could coexist. He also highlighted the importance of praise in Christian worship, describing it as an essential expression of faith.
Speaking at the event, Dr Bolaji Mejabi, a lecturer at Baze University, Abuja, and chairman of the organising committee, called for greater appreciation of African cultural heritage.
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Mejabi said negative perceptions of African traditions had encouraged some people to abandon valuable customs. He said some cultural practices may require changes, but their fundamental values can remain consistent with Christian principles.
The lecturer lamented that many young people were losing touch with Yoruba, as some children could neither speak the language fluently, greet elders properly nor understand the meanings of their traditional names. He said the Yoruba Omoluabi philosophy promotes respect, love, unity and good character. According to him, teaching these principles at home and in schools could help strengthen moral values and encourage responsible leadership.
Mejabi called on parents to introduce their children to Yoruba language, proper greetings, traditional dressing and cultural values from childhood. The celebration featured cultural dances, drama, gift presentations and traditional dishes, including amala, ewedu, gbegiri, ofada rice and pounded yam.
Worshippers from different ethnic groups attended the service in Yoruba attire, highlighting the importance of cultural tolerance and national unity.
One of the organisers, media consultant Bode Olagoke, said the church had previously celebrated other ethnic groups and would continue the initiative to promote national cohesion. He said the initiative aimed to help young people understand their heritage, the meanings of their names, the importance of respecting others and the traditions that shape their communities.
Source: Guardian News.
Content Credit: Mary Arowosegbe
Image Credit: Daily Post
