By Marvelous Allen

The Apostolic Faith Church has called on Nigerians to return to God as the surest path to peace, unity, and national restoration, amid rising insecurity, economic hardship, and widespread uncertainty across the country.

The call was made during the Apostolic Faith Church’s 2025 Christmas Concert, themed “Good Tidings of Great Joy,” drawn from the Gospel according to St. Luke, chapter 2, verse 10. The event featured worship, music, and prayers for the nation at a critical moment in Nigeria’s history.

Speaking at the programme, District Superintendent of the Apostolic Faith Church, West and Central Africa, Reverend Dr Isaac Adigun, described the theme as timely and realistic despite the nation’s current challenges.

According to the senior cleric, the Christmas message remains a message of hope, especially in periods of national difficulty.
“If there is any time Nigerians need this message of hope and great joy, it is now,” he said, noting that the theme is firmly rooted in scripture.
He disclosed that when the Federal Government declared a state of security emergency, the church responded by intensifying prayers for the country.
“As a praying church, we took it seriously and began to intercede for Nigeria. Even with all that we are going through, a time of great joy is still possible if we repent and return to God as a nation,” he stated.

On the economy, the cleric acknowledged that church programmes may not directly affect economic indicators but maintained that spiritual renewal influences every aspect of national life.

“God is not only in charge of the economy but of everything concerning a nation. When people reconnect with Him, safety, security, and economic stability will follow,” he added.

Also speaking at the event, Music Director of the Apostolic Faith Church, West and Central Africa, Reverend Dotun Ewumi, attributed Nigeria’s challenges to moral and spiritual decline.

“The solution to our problem is Jesus,” Ewumi said. “He is the Light of the world, the Counsellor, and the Prince of Peace. If we want peace in Nigeria, we must accept Him and embrace righteousness.”
Quoting scripture, he recalled that “righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach,” noting that Nigeria once enjoyed greater peace and security.

“There was a time when people travelled freely at night without fear. There was no banditry or terrorism. But because we have turned away from God, a crisis has followed,” he said.

On governance, Ewumi emphasised that the church remains non-partisan but committed to praying for those in authority.

“God commands us to pray for our leaders. If they allow Him to guide them, He will help them lead for the benefit of the people,” he noted.
As Nigerians prepare to celebrate Christmas in 2025, the District Superintendent offered a prayer for national illumination and unity.
“Because of sin, wickedness, and bloodshed, Nigeria is in darkness,” he said. “Jesus is the Light of the world. Our prayer is that He will light the hearts of Nigerians. When that happens, darkness will give way, and peace will return.”

The concert concluded with prayers for unity, stability, and renewed faith, reinforcing the church’s belief that true good tidings of great joy can only be found through spiritual renewal and obedience to God.