Cleric urges govt to address hardship

The General Superintendent of Assemblies of God Nigeria, Rev. Abel Ukachi, has urged the Federal and state governments to take urgent steps to address the economic hardship facing Nigerians, while commending grassroots development efforts within the church.

Ukachi made the call while speaking with reporters during the dedication of the Lagos West District House, known as the Grace and Glory House, at Agodo-Egbe, Lagos State, on Friday.

The cleric emphasised that while the church supports the government through prayers and civic responsibility, leaders must respond to the needs of citizens.

“We encourage our members to be loyal to the government of the day. We pray for them.

“But we are also asking the government to hear the cry of the masses and do something to alleviate their suffering in this nation,” he said.

Speaking on the role of the church in national development, Ukachi highlighted its contributions across multiple sectors, including governance, education, and humanitarian services.

“We have our members in various sectors of government, some in the House of Representatives and the Senate, others working with governors, and many in universities as lecturers.

“We have also built schools and contributed to national development in so many ways,” he said.

He added that the church has continued to support vulnerable communities, citing recent intervention efforts in Benue State.

“Recently, we visited displaced persons in IDP camps in Benue State who were affected by insurgency and kidnapping. We spent millions of naira to help alleviate their suffering,” he said.

Ukachi expressed optimism about the future, noting that the church remains focused on expanding its impact.

“We are believing God that in the next 10 years, some of the burdens before us now will be cleared, and we will have a better platform to do more for God,” he said.

Ukachi also praised the district for completing a major project within a short time, describing the effort as an example of self-driven development.

“I am here to celebrate this great achievement. This young district, in less than two years, has been able to come up with a complex like this. It is very commendable, and we encourage others to follow in the same line,” Ukachi said.

Also speaking, the District Superintendent of Assemblies of God Nigeria, Lagos West District, Rev. Ehis Edoror, expressed joy over the completion of the project, describing it as the fulfilment of a long-held vision.

He said, “I am very happy. Today is my day because it is a vision that has come to pass. This vision was conceived years ago, and now it has become a reality. It is a great achievement for us.”

He explained that the newly completed structure would serve multiple purposes, including administration, coordination, and expansion of church activities.

He said, “The purpose of this building is to serve as a hub for administration and for expansion. From here, many other projects will be conceived, and the work of God will be advanced.”
Edoror also highlighted the growth and spread of the church, noting its wide presence across Nigeria.

“As a church, we are not given to showmanship, but God has helped us to grow.

“We have millions of members, and there is hardly any local government in Nigeria where you will not find an Assembly,” he said.

According to him, the district itself has a large number of pastors, reflecting the church’s expanding influence.

He stated. “In this district alone, we have registered thousands of pastors. That shows the level of growth and the commitment to the work of God.”

Advising members, Edoror urged them to remain steadfast in their faith and stay focused on spiritual values.

“My advice to our members is to remain focused on the One who has saved us. We should always remember that there is life hereafter,” he said .

On national development, the cleric stressed the role of the church in sustaining the country through prayers and moral guidance.

“It is because of the church that Nigeria is still standing. If what is happening here were to happen in some other countries, they would go up in flames. The church remains the mainstay of this nation,” Edoror said.

He also called on political leaders to prioritise service and accountability, warning against the accumulation of wealth at the expense of citizens.

He said, “Our leaders must remember that they are servants called to serve the people. They should not make promises during campaigns and abandon them after getting into office.”

The District Superintendent further cautioned leaders to reflect on the consequences of their actions.

Edoror said, “They should know that there is life after this world. Whatever they amass today may not even be enjoyed by the next generation. Let them serve the nation faithfully.”