Archbishop Francis Wale Oke, National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), has congratulated Nigerians on the country's 66th Independence Anniversary. In his message, Oke acknowledged the nation's achievements, but emphasized that Nigeria stands at a crossroads in history, requiring collective action to address pressing challenges. He called for deep reflection on the state of the nation, highlighting the need for peace, security, and economic growth.
Oke stressed that peace and security are vital to national development, warning that without them, no tangible progress can be made. He urged the Federal Government to take decisive action against bandits and terrorists, and to bring them and their financiers to justice. The PFN President emphasized that the government must act now to address the bloodshed and suffering of citizens, and to create a framework that protects every life, regardless of location or background.
The PFN President also expressed concern about the worsening economic situation, describing it as deeply worrisome. He noted that Nigeria is endowed with human and natural resources that should be used to improve the welfare of the generality of the people, not just a few elites. Oke urged federal and state governments to address the economic hardship urgently and with compassion, and to review existing laws and craft new ones that will make businesses thrive and allow the average Nigerian to prosper.
Oke described corruption as an anathema to democracy and a hydra-headed monster that has torn the soul of the nation apart. He emphasized that corruption has stalled growth, drained public resources, deepened inequality, harmed public trust, limited youth potential, and undermined justice. The PFN President charged governments at all levels to tackle corruption headlong and wipe it out, so that every Nigerian can enjoy the dividends of democracy.
The PFN President also expressed concern about the rise of illicit drugs being produced and transported through the country, warning that it poses a grave danger to young people who are the future of the nation. He acknowledged that much has been done, but insisted that more effort is needed to rid the country of the menace and protect children. Oke appealed to all Nigerians to come together at this critical juncture to build a nation anchored on peace, unity, love, and justice.
Oke emphasized that Nigeria belongs to all citizens, and its progress depends on collective resolve to think, speak, and do only what will move the nation forward. He added that the Almighty God is with Nigeria, but all Nigerians must rededicate themselves to Him and to the ideals of their nation. The PFN President expressed confidence that Nigeria can be great again, but emphasized that collective action is required to achieve this goal.
As Nigeria marks 66 years of independence, Oke's message serves as a call to action for citizens, governments, and stakeholders to work together to address the nation's pressing challenges. His words reflect the hopes and aspirations of many Nigerians who yearn for a better future, and who believe that collective action can make a positive difference. The PFN President's message is a reminder that Nigeria's progress depends on the collective efforts of all its citizens.
Key points
- Archbishop Francis Wale Oke calls for collective action to address insecurity, economy, and corruption in Nigeria.
- The PFN President emphasizes the need for peace, security, and economic growth to achieve national development.
- Oke urges governments at all levels to tackle corruption headlong and wipe it out to ensure that every Nigerian enjoys the dividends of democracy.
