Christian group calls for strategic action on Nigeria’s economy, insecurity

The Church Of Christ In Nations (COCIN) has expressed deep concern over the country’s worsening economic situation, which has impacted both church operations and the daily lives of Nigerians.

The church urged the government to improve its approach to tackling economic challenges, including inflation, poverty, and unemployment.

COCIN also called for urgent measures to address growing insecurity, which continues to disrupt many parts of the country. The church leaders emphasised that both the government and local communities must collaborate to find lasting solutions to these issues.

In a communique at the end of its 106th General Assembly signed by Amos Mohzo, president of COCIN, and Benjamin Pokol, the general secretary, made available to journalists on Sunday in Jos, the church also highlighted the need for strategic actions from both the government and citizens to address these crises.

During the council, church leaders reflected on key national issues, emphasising the economic difficulties, insecurity, and social challenges currently affecting Nigeria.

The council also called on parents, community leaders, and schools to take a more active role in sensitising young people against the rising tide of substance abuse, crime, and violence.

According to the communique, these problems have become a serious threat to the social fabric of the nation, and everyone has a responsibility to raise a generation that values integrity and peaceful coexistence. The church reaffirmed its commitment to addressing these issues through its programmes and partnerships.

“We expresses our dismay over the distressing economic situation in the country that has resulted in starvation and health deterioration in many families across the Nation.

“We condemn in very strong terms the insecurity situation in the country created by unprovoked attacks of land grabbers, kidnappers and herdsmen against farmers and communities. We call on the government and our security personnel at all levels to re-strategize their security approaches against this lingering menace.

“We also call on parents, spiritual and community leaders to conscientize their children and wards on family morals and values. To sensitize and re-orient them against substance abuse, criminal and immoral acts.”

The council also celebrated the church’s growth and progress, especially in the South-South and South-East mission fields. It thanked God for the success of ordination services across three zones and prayed for continued blessings as services in the remaining two zones are conducted.

COCIN also highlighted the positive outcomes of its joint interactive meeting with members involved in politics, encouraging them to continue upholding the core values of the church in their public service.

In addition to its local achievements, the council commended the late Ochapa C. Onazi, a professor, and pioneer pro-chancellor of Karl Kumm University, who recently passed away. The council also acknowledged the university’s recent milestone, with the issuance of a permanent license by the National Universities Commission (NUC). This, the church noted, marked a significant step forward in providing quality education to young Nigerians.

In response to the floods in Borno, COCIN praised its members and affiliated NGOs for their efforts in providing support to victims. The council also resolved to review its handbook on marital issues, revamp development programmes, and reintroduce hospital administrators to better serve the health needs of the community. They further extended their congratulations to Nentawe Yilwatda Goshwe on his appointment as Nigeria’s minister of Humanitarian Affairs.

The council closed with a call to action for its members to ensure food security in light of the challenging economic climate. Members were urged to prepare for the next farming season by stockpiling enough food and making wise decisions in the face of rising food prices.

“We call on our members to apply wisdom regarding their food security by stocking enough food that will last them through to the next farming season”.

The council also expressed condolences to the President of Nigeria, the family of the late Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, a Lt. general and those who have suffered losses due to recent natural disasters and attacks.