By Evelyn Usman

General Overseer of Divine Appointment Ministry International, Rev. Ben Eragbai, has called on Nigerian leaders to embrace the fear of God, saying moral consciousness was central to addressing the country’s worsening security challenges.

He spoke during the church’s annual End-of-Year African Praise service in Lagos on Sunday, December 28,2025, held in Ajah area of Lagos , to thank God for His mercy and faithfulness throughout the year.

Eragbai in an interview with journlists said :“Every politician must understand that there is a God in heaven. He that lives by the sword shall die by the sword. When you talk about security, everybody knows that Nigeria is not a safe place.

“Insecurity is rampant, especially in the North-East and North-West, and many people have been dispossessed of their homes. Their houses have been burnt down,” he said. Eragbai recounted the plight of a young boy from Benue State whose parents were killed in violent attacks: “They killed his father and his mother. He had to run away. If we did not pick him up, that would have been another death to the society. The God I serve is not a killer. You cannot kill what you cannot create.”

The cleric however, commended the Bola Tinubu-led administration for its proactive security measures, noting the shift from defensive to offensive strategies against insurgents: He noted that :“Before, we were always repelling bandits and Boko Haram. Any team that is defending will concede goals. You have to be proactive. That is why I say kudos to the President. It is a bold step, and we will continue to pray for him.”

He emphasized the link between security and economic growth, saying : “Without security, forget investment. Nobody will come and invest in Nigeria. And if there is no investment, there will be no factories and no jobs. Nigerians are very intelligent. The youth are ready to work, but the environment must be created.” Social outreach Rev Eragbai also highlighted the church’s social outreach programs, describin its social economic benefits as crucial to the safety of the society. He explained that “This is what the gospel ought to be. We take people off the streets, send some to school, and train others in skills. We don’t give people fish; we teach them how to fish.” During the service, food items such as rice, cassava flakes and vegetable oil were distributed to elderly members, a gesture he said reflected the church’s commitment to the vulnerable.

On Nigeria’s future, Eragbai offered a message of hope amid challenges sayingf :“Nigeria will rise again, but 2026 will be very challenging. The wicked will be defeated, and God will help this nation. The future of Nigeria is achievable through the fear of God, vision, and creating an environment where intelligence and hard work can thrive.” He urged believers to remain steadfast in faith:, noting that “Despite periods of darkness, each believer has a purpose and destiny that will be revealed. Everyone should embrace God and continue to pray without ceasing and allow God to fight His fight.”