On October 1, 2026, Pastor Dr Barnabas Otoibhi, General Overseer of Temple Rebuilders' Ministry, addressed a Nigeria Independence Day prayer rally and walk in Lagos. The event, organised by the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria and the Barnabas Otoibhi Foundation, was themed 'At 66, Let There Be Light'. Otoibhi attributed Nigeria's economic hardship, insecurity, and political instability to darkness in the country. He referenced the biblical description of the earth before creation, when darkness covered the deep, as recorded in Genesis 1:1-3.
Otoibhi drew parallels between Nigeria's current state and the biblical account, stating that the country's challenges reflect its economic, social, and political decline. He identified hunger and hardship as signs of economic decline, while insecurity represents social challenges. The cleric expressed concern over the absence of clear ideological differences among political parties and the frequent defections by politicians. He criticised the practice of governors and legislators defecting from their elected parties while retaining public offices, often without consequences.
According to Otoibhi, Genesis 1:3, which records God's command 'Let there be light', offers a remedy to Nigeria's challenges. He called for divine intervention and practical steps by leaders and citizens to address the nation's problems. The cleric urged President Bola Tinubu to pursue economic transformation through citizens-friendly policies, addressing hunger and hardship. He also advocated for social transformation by taking decisive steps to curb insecurity.
Otoibhi called on the National Assembly to initiate political reforms by enacting laws to outlaw political parties without clear ideologies and prohibit indiscriminate defections by elected officials. He believed such measures would promote political discipline and strengthen accountability in Nigeria's democratic system. The cleric also urged state and local governments to ensure democracy delivers tangible benefits to citizens, translating into improved living conditions at the grassroots.
The cleric admonished Nigerians to contribute to good governance by fulfilling their civic responsibilities, obeying the rule of law, being productive, and holding elected leaders accountable. He prayed for God's intervention in Nigeria, urging the President, National Assembly members, state governors, local government chairmen, and citizens to take positive steps towards addressing hunger, hardship, insecurity, and political instability.
Otoibhi expressed hope that Nigeria would experience a new phase of national renewal through collective responsibility, purposeful leadership, and divine intervention. He wished Nigerians a happy 66th Independence Anniversary and prayed for God's blessings upon the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The cleric concluded by praying for God's intervention to stir up leaders and citizens to take actions that would eliminate hunger, hardship, insecurity, and bring sanity to the political situation.
The prayer rally and walk, attended by Christians from various denominations, aimed to promote spiritual renewal and positive change in Nigeria. The event demonstrated the significant role that faith-based organisations and leaders play in shaping public discourse and advocating for good governance in the country. As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, citizens and leaders continue to grapple with the challenges of economic, social, and political development.
Key points
- Pastor Dr Barnabas Otoibhi calls for divine intervention and good governance to address Nigeria's economic, social, and political challenges.
