In a powerful New Year address that resonates with the anxieties and hopes of millions, a prominent religious leader has issued a clarion call for the Nigerian government to make the sustenance of peace and security its paramount, non-negotiable priority for 2026. The message, delivered by Rev. Samuel Owolabi, Secretary of the Oyo State Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), moves beyond a simple plea, framing security as the foundational bedrock upon which national welfare and prosperity are built.
Speaking in Ibadan on Sunday, Rev. Owolabi underscored the urgent need for “decisive actions” to tackle the pervasive wave of insecurity—a term that in the Nigerian context encompasses kidnapping, banditry, communal clashes, and terrorism. His call for “adequate plans to settle displaced communities” highlights a critical, often overlooked dimension of the crisis: the long-term humanitarian fallout. Millions have been internally displaced, creating a cycle of vulnerability that, if unaddressed, can itself become a source of future instability.
Grounding his appeal in scripture, the cleric quoted Proverbs 11:14: “For lack of guidance a nation falls, but victory is won through many advisers.” This biblical reference serves as a profound admonition, urging governance that is both wise and responsive to the counsel and desperate needs of its citizens. It frames security not merely as a law-and-order issue, but as a matter of righteous and prudent stewardship.
While commending President Bola Tinubu for recent efforts and Governor Seyi Makinde for fostering peaceful coexistence in Oyo State, Rev. Owolabi’s message was unequivocal: appreciation must translate into accelerated, tangible action. “We still however urge our government from the national to the grassroots to prioritise security, justice and welfare of citizens,” he stated, explicitly linking these three concepts. This triad is crucial—security without justice breeds resentment; welfare without security is unsustainable.
The cleric’s message also delineated a vital role for the citizenry, particularly the Christian community. Citing Isaiah 60:1 (“Arise, shine…”), he enjoined Nigerians not to succumb to despair but to actively become agents of peace. “Let’s be known for our love that heals divisions, hope that uplifts communities and faith expressed through selfless service,” he urged. This transforms the narrative from passive victimhood to active civic participation, suggesting that societal healing requires both top-down policy and bottom-up communal action.
In conclusion, Rev. Owolabi’s New Year message is more than a seasonal greeting; it is a strategic intervention. By weaving together spiritual exhortation, practical policy demands (like resettling the displaced), and a call for civic virtue, he provides a holistic framework for addressing Nigeria’s most pressing challenge. His prayer for 2026 to be a year of “peace and prosperity for all Nigerians” is a reminder that the latter is utterly dependent on the former. The sustenance of peace and security is not just a government project, but a national imperative requiring collective resolve, wisdom, and action.
