…As Rhema celebrates 35th anniversary Nov. 2
Taiwo Akinola, the presiding bishop of Rhema Christian Church & Towers, has called on the government, political leaders, institutions, and citizens to renew their commitment to justice, accountability, national unity, and people-centred governance, as Nigeria approaches the 2027 general elections.
Akinola said Nigeria possesses enormous human and material resources, and urged the government to prioritize citizens’ welfare. “Nevertheless, persistent insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, healthcare deficiencies, substance abuse, and threats to food safety demand urgent and coordinated responses,” he said.
According to him, the 2027 general elections offer Nigerians another opportunity to strengthen democratic institutions and demand responsible governance. He therefore urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and other stakeholders to work towards peaceful, transparent, inclusive, and credible elections.
“Vote-buying, intimidation, electoral violence, religious manipulation, and misinformation must be firmly discouraged. Young people as well as senior citizens, should complete the necessary voter registration procedures, obtain their Permanent Voter Cards where applicable, and participate responsibly in the electoral process,” Akinola said.
He reiterated that the Church must remain non-partisan but never indifferent to justice, truth, and good governance. According to him, the Church must educate consciences rather than dictate political choices. “The true measure of political leadership is not the volume of campaign promises but the tangible improvement in citizens’ lives,” Akinola said.
The Archbishop said the 2024 World Bank’s development indicators, which puts Nigeria’s life expectancy at birth to approximately 54.6 years, underscores the need for sustained improvements in healthcare delivery, nutrition, sanitation, and living conditions.
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He added that healthcare expenditure must produce measurable improvements in service delivery, and that no Nigerian should be denied essential medical attention merely because of poverty.
Akinola reiterated that a healthy population is indispensable to human dignity, national productivity, and sustainable development. He said further that greater investment in preventive healthcare, immunisation, nutrition, sanitation, and mental health services is equally necessary.
“We urge the government at all levels to prioritise functional primary healthcare centres, affordable health insurance, essential medicines, maternal and child healthcare, emergency services, and improved welfare for medical personnel.”
Speaking on the church’s forthcoming convention themed, ‘More Than Conquerors,‘ Akinola, who is the Pastor-General, Rhema Christian Church & Towers, said the 35th convention of the ministry will bring believers from diverse backgrounds for spiritual renewal, sound biblical teaching, fervent prayers, worship, and life-transforming encounters with the supernatural power of God.
According to him, the theme reminds the congregation that national challenges, however formidable, must not become excuses for despair or inaction. He reiterated that the theme reminds the church and Nigerians at large that adversity cannot extinguish hope; difficulties must not destroy faith, and believers can triumph through the unfailing grace and power of Jesus Christ.
“At a time when individuals, families, and nations confront formidable economic, social, and spiritual challenges, this message is particularly timely. For thirty-five years, God has graciously sustained this ministry in its divine assignment of proclaiming the gospel of Jesus Christ and raising a people of His power, purity, and purpose,” Akinola said.
Yomi Akinyemi, chairman, Rhema World Convention 2026, said daily sessions will be held at 6:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., and 5:00 p.m., with a special Hosanna Night of Power and Praise on Friday, November 6, by 9:00 p.m.
According to him, the grand finale will be held on Sunday, November 8, with special thanksgiving and special impartation service. “As we celebrate thirty-five years of God’s faithfulness – our message, ‘More Than Conquerors’ is one of faith, responsibility, courage, and hope. We call on political leaders to rise above selfish interests, institutions to rise above negligence, and citizens to rise above apathy,” he said.
Seyi John Salau is a BusinessDay Correspondent with interest in development journalism, which tells stories that connect the people, brands, and the government. SeyiJohn is also a media professional with BSc, Mass Communition (ACU); Masters of School Media (MSM, Ibadan) & MSc, Mass Communication (Caleb).
