Get Guardian on GoogleThe Concern Christian Youth Forum (CCYF) on Monday, called on the Federal Government to engage prominent Nigerian Christian leaders, including the Founder and Presiding Bishop of Living Faith Church Worldwide, Bishop David Oyedepo, and other influential clerics, on how their institutions can contribute to addressing Nigeria’s development challenges.
The Convener of Concern Christian Youth Forum (CCYF), Paul James Adama, in an opinion article titled, “Why the Nigerian Government Must Invite Bishop David Oyedepo and His Spiritual Sons Immediately.”
Other clerics identified in the article include Pastor David Ibiyeomie, Dr Paul Enenche and Pastor Korede Komaiya.
According to the article, the ministries have made contributions in areas such as education, healthcare, transportation, employment generation, infrastructure development, poverty reduction and human capital development.
Adama noted that their respective church organisations operate transportation arrangements that enable worshippers and other participants to attend services and programmes without paying transport fares, describing the initiative as an example of organised social support.
The article also highlighted their investments in education, particularly the establishment of primary and secondary schools as well as universities, with modern learning facilities aimed at developing academic excellence and character among young Nigerians.
On healthcare, it cited medical outreaches, financial assistance for patients, support for surgeries and sponsorship of individuals requiring specialised medical treatment outside Nigeria as some of the interventions attributed to the ministries.
The opinion further drew attention to scholarship programmes operated by the churches, arguing that educational support has created opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds to acquire professional qualifications and improve their economic circumstances.
He also identified electricity generation and infrastructure development as areas where the religious institutions have demonstrated capacity, pointing to their investments in uninterrupted power arrangements, roads, pedestrian bridges and water facilities within their operational environments.
On employment, the article claimed that the four church organisations collectively provide jobs for more than 300,000 people, describing them as significant employers whose activities extend beyond religious services into administration, education, healthcare, hospitality, logistics and other sectors.
He argued that their large-scale conventions and international conferences attract participants from different parts of the world, creating economic opportunities for hotels, transport operators, traders, food vendors and other businesses in host communities.
Beyond physical infrastructure and economic activities, the article emphasised the role of religious institutions in social transformation, particularly through counselling, moral instruction, family development, entrepreneurship training and programmes aimed at discouraging destructive lifestyles.
Adama maintained that these activities could offer useful insights into addressing social challenges, strengthening families and promoting responsible citizenship.
The article also acknowledged the importance of resource management, institutional discipline and long-term planning, arguing that the sustainability of large religious organisations could provide useful case studies for public administrators and development practitioners.
It therefore proposed that the Federal Government initiate a structured engagement with Bishop Oyedepo and the other three clerics to examine their institutional experiences, identify transferable practices and explore possible areas of collaboration in national development.
The proposed engagement, according to the article, should not be politically motivated or limited to ceremonial recognition, but should focus on practical discussions around education, healthcare delivery, employment, infrastructure, social welfare, entrepreneurship and community development.
The article maintained that Nigeria could accelerate its development efforts by drawing lessons from successful non-governmental institutions, faith-based organisations and private-sector initiatives whose activities complement government programmes.
The proposal comes amid continuing national conversations about the role of religious organisations, private institutions and civil society in supporting government efforts to improve living conditions and expand development opportunities across the country.
