Worried by Nigeria’s worsening security crisis, the Ekiti State Area Overseer of the Apostolic Faith Church and member of the Board of Trustees in West and Central Africa, Prof. Joseph Obafatoba, has declared that only fervent national prayer can rescue the country from its current turmoil.

Speaking yesterday in Akure, Ondo State, as part of activities to mark the Ondo/Ekiti 2025 camp meeting, Obafatoba said the security situation has deteriorated to a point where even small children are no longer satisfied with the state of the nation.

“I am not satisfied, our leaders are not satisfied, and even the little children are not satisfied. With what is happening in Nigeria now, our District Superintendent has directed that all members of the Apostolic Faith Church in West and Central Africa must go on their knees and pray. This prayer is stronger than any two-edged sword or any bomb. We believe it can pull down every stronghold troubling this nation,” he said.

Obafatoba explained that the church had already begun intensified nationwide prayers two weeks ago, adding that they would continue “until God brings an end to the insecurity that has overwhelmed the country.”

According to him, “All our politicians have tried, all of us have tried. The only way out now is to call on God to avert these challenges.”

Responding to questions on whether Christians were being specifically targeted, Obafatoba stressed that insecurity in Nigeria affects every citizen, irrespective of religion.

“Insecurity affects everybody, Christians, Muslims, and others. It is now a national issue. “If we try to tie it only to religion, we may fail in fighting it. The devil is behind what is happening,” he said.

He revealed that Apostolic Faith churches now operate with security personnel during services because of the unpredictable nature of attacks. “For some time now, we have had security men guiding our services. Formerly, it was not like that. On Sundays, while people are worshipping, there must be security men on duty. We don’t want any problem to arise unexpectedly,” he added.

Obafatoba noted that the daily and weekly prayer sessions declared by the church were open to all Nigerians, not only church members. “This thing is not meant for Apostolic Faith alone. We are praying for Nigeria. Anyone who wants to join should come. Tell people in your workplace, in your street, everywhere, that a prayer is going on for this country. We are already seeing new faces joining us,” he said.

According to him, Sunday services across all Apostolic Faith Churches will now be dedicated to prayers for Nigeria, both in the morning and evening sessions. “Daily prayers from Monday to Friday will also hold between 4 p.m.–6 p.m. or 5 p.m.–7 p.m., depending on the area.”

Asked to comment on public calls for Nigeria to return to military rule, Obafatoba distanced himself from political debates saying: “I am not a politician and I will never be. This is a democracy. People may say whatever they want, but our role is to guide the nation with prayers. I won’t tell you to go back to military rule or to remain in democracy. Our assignment is to pray for Nigeria and that is what we are doing.” he said

He also announced the upcoming 2025 Ondo–Ekiti Camp Meeting, scheduled to hold from December 14 to 21, 2025, at the church headquarters in Ijoka, Akure.

He added that the annual spiritual convocation, jointly involving all Apostolic Faith Churches in Ondo and Ekiti states, will feature Bible teachings, revival services, youth programmes, music concerts, and hybrid participation for spiritual renewal, salvation, sanctification, and Holy Ghost baptism.

Responding, Ondo State NUJ Chairman, Prince Leke Adegbite, praised the church’s efforts, saying Nigeria had survived thus far because religious leaders continued to intercede for the nation.

“Your prayers are part of what is keeping our country today. In some nations, a fraction of what we face would have scattered them. But God has been merciful because of men and women who pray silently for this nation.”

He assured the church of the NUJ’s support in publicizing its activities and the forthcoming camp meeting, adding, “Within our capacity, we will promote what you are here to do in Ondo State.” (This Day)

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