By Ibironke Ariyo
The President, Jesus Praise Evangelical Ministries International (JPEMI), Dr Femi Lanre-Oke, says love, active community participation and effective implementation of government policies are critical to addressing security and socio-economic challenges.
Lanre-Oke said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Abuja, while speaking on national security, governance, economic hardship, church ministry and global affairs.
He described the growing cases of abductions across the country as unfortunate and urged Nigerians to complement the efforts of the government and security agencies.
According to him, this can be done by remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious activities within the communities.
”Security should not be left entirely to the government and law enforcement agencies because they cannot be everywhere at the same time.”
The cleric also sympathised with families of abducted victims and prayed for their safe rescue.
He urged the government at all levels to adopt more strategic approaches to tackling insecurity and expressed support for the establishment of state police, saying it can significantly improve internal security.
”I appreciate what the government and security agencies are doing, but they need to do more. Citizens must also play their part to ensure a safer society,” he said.
Lanre-Oke, however, disagreed with insinuations in some quarters that Christian leaders had remained silent on national issues because of perceived closeness to government.
He explained that many religious leaders were engaging the government through prayers, dialogue and other non-public channels.
He explained that organisations such as the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) had consistently organised fasting, prayers and peaceful advocacy on issues affecting the nation.
”Not every intervention by religious leaders must be made through the media,” he emphasised.
Speaking on the 2027 general elections, he advised politicians to place national interest above personal ambition and embrace the biblical principle of loving one’s neighbour.
He said that self-centred leadership contributed to insecurity and other societal challenges, adding that genuine concern for others would promote peace and national development.
The cleric also expressed optimism that the 2027 elections would be peaceful and advocated wider deployment of electronic voting to minimise electoral malpractice.
He urged politicians to allow Nigerians to freely choose their preferred candidates without intimidation or imposition.
Speaking on corruption, Lanre-Oke said that Nigeria’s challenge was not the absence of laws, but poor implementation.
”The country will not struggle to attain sustainable development unless corruption is decisively tackled through effective enforcement of existing laws,” he said.
He also lauded the Federal Government’s recruitment of forest guards to combat criminal activities in forests, describing the development as a step in the right direction.
According to him, if properly implemented, it will produce positive results. We are passing through a phase, and we shall overcome it,” he added.
Lanre-Oke further urged the government to strengthen support for local farmers through improved access to seedlings and other agricultural inputs to enhance food security and boost the economy.
He acknowledged the prevailing economic hardship and urged Nigerians to remain hopeful, while expressing confidence that President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms would produce positive outcomes.
”As a church, we are helping members adapt to the situation through teachings on wisdom, financial management and trusting God during difficult times,” he said.
Lanre-Oke prayed that God would favour the Nigerian president with his advisers who would ensure successful implementation of his administration’s policies.
On the international scene, Lanre-Oke condemned the xenophobic attacks against foreign nationals in South Africa and urged the country to embrace peaceful coexistence, noting that South Africans also reside in many countries around the world.
He also called for an end to the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States.
