The President of the Petroleum Industry Christian Fellowship International (PICFI), Dr. Gift Roman, has emphasized the need for Nigeria to have leaders who possess a fear of God, humanity, and a willingness to listen to the people. In an interview with journalists in Port Harcourt, Roman stated that Nigerians are suffering and increasingly leaving the country in search of better opportunities. She made these remarks during the 22nd Annual National Prayer Conference of PICFI, which coincided with Nigeria's 66th Independence anniversary.
The conference, themed 'Bearing the Cross', focused on prayers for national transformation, the petroleum industry, and the personal responsibilities of Christians in driving positive change. Roman stressed that Nigeria needs leaders capable of providing conditions that would make citizens want to remain in the country rather than migrate in search of better opportunities. She cited the increasing exodus of Nigerians as an indication of the difficult conditions confronting citizens.
According to Roman, the situation in Nigeria can change if leaders create opportunities and improve living conditions. She emphasized that people are really suffering and that if leaders can turn situations around, making people happy, Nigeria can become transformed. Roman, however, noted that prayers alone cannot bring the desired transformation, insisting that Nigerians must complement their prayers with responsible action and integrity.
Roman urged Nigerians, particularly Christians working in the petroleum industry, to become agents of change in their workplaces by rejecting unrighteousness, upholding integrity, and ensuring that their actions reflect their professed faith. She emphasized that the problem in Nigeria is that people are not walking the talk, but rather just talking, and that they must pray, talk, and walk the talk.
The PICFI president also noted that the economic difficulties affecting Nigerians are not limited to workers outside the petroleum sector. She argued that even relatively well-paid oil workers are affected by the declining purchasing power of the naira and the growing financial demands from families and communities. Roman added that the petroleum industry itself is facing production fluctuations, market instability, environmental pressures, technological disruptions, and restructuring.
Despite these challenges, Roman maintained that the petroleum industry remains a major pillar of national strength and opportunity. She said the annual prayer conference was deliberately held around Independence Day to enable PICFI members across the country to pray for Nigeria, their families, and workplaces while renewing their commitment to national transformation.
The PICFI Port Harcourt Zonal Coordinator, Mike Iwegbu, also spoke at the conference, but details of his remarks were not provided. The conference aimed to bring together PICFI members to pray for Nigeria and to encourage individuals to take responsibility for driving positive change in their communities and workplaces.
Key points
- Dr. Gift Roman calls for leaders with fear of God, humanity, and listening ears.
- Nigeria needs leaders to create opportunities and improve living conditions.
- Prayers alone cannot bring transformation; Nigerians must complement prayers with responsible action and integrity.
