• Advocate church, government partnership to tackle insecurity
• Bemoan broken education system, societal value decadence

Presiding Bishop of The Redeemed Evangelical Mission (TREM), Mike Okonkwo, and Founder of the Foundation of Truth Assembly (FOTA), Segun Kasali, have stressed the need for government officials who are underperforming in their elective or appointive positions to consider stepping aside.

Okonkwo, who spoke yesterday during the FOTA conference, reiterated that ensuring citizens’ security is a fundamental responsibility of the government, adding that citizens must convey their concerns about governmental shortcomings in this regard.

He, however, expressed concern that numerous individuals engaged in wrongdoing within the public sector and broader society are active church attendees.

The cleric also noted that the church’s role extends beyond its physical buildings, advocating for heightened emphasis on righteousness through church platforms.

The bishop said that the partnership between the church and the government is a critical pathway for the church to exert positive influence, particularly in addressing pressing issues like insecurity.

On his part, Rev. Kasali stated that the challenges confronting Nigeria are predominantly political rather than spiritual, while urging the government to enhance its efforts.

“They’re making an effort, but I know they can do much more. And they’re doing their best and they’re doing their bit, but I believe they can do much more. That’s my honest opinion about that,” he said.

Kasali, while reflecting on the presence of large churches and prominent pastors and ministries, noted that the societal impact appears less pronounced than expected, saying: “It’s important for us to try as much as possible to let the impact be felt beyond buildings and beyond big names.”

However, the cleric’s wife, Adefunke Kasali, who stressed the need for enhanced efforts by security agencies, emphasised the critical role of parental involvement in guiding children towards positive behaviour in society, stating that parents need to do more to train their children and help them stay out of trouble and do the right things.

Kasali expressed concerns about the state of Nigeria’s education system, describing it as broken, while lamenting the trend of children leaving school prematurely.

She, therefore, stressed the need for regulations and enforcement of laws by the government, alongside teachings and prayers by religious organisations to help children develop morally and intellectually.