As Nigeria celebrates 65 years of independence from Great Britain, voices from the nation’s faith community are adding depth to the national reflection. From Archbishop Joseph Ojo’s call for a generational shift in leadership, to Bishop Charles Ighele’s reminder that political freedom without economic and social liberation is incomplete; from Rev. Jummy Adetoyese-Olagunju’s charge to move “beyond prayer” toward practical nation-building, to Bishop Robertson Akwazi’s echo of President Bola Tinubu’s message of hope and resilience—clerics are urging Nigerians to see independence not just as history, but as a mandate for renewal. Together, their messages highlight a common thread: Nigeria’s future greatness depends on faith, values, visionary leadership, and the active participation of its citizens.
Archbishop Ojo calls for younger leadership to drive nation forward
As Nigeria marks its 65th Independence Anniversary, Archbishop Joseph Ojo, Founder of Calvary Kingdom Church, has called for a generational shift in leadership, urging younger Nigerians to take more strategic roles in steering Africa’s most populous nation toward greater progress.
Speaking in an interview, Ojo reflected on the nation’s journey since October 1, 1960, recalling the excitement that filled the air when Nigerians first gained self-rule from Great Britain. “I was 11 years old when we got our independence, and I was so excited because we felt that indigenous people could now lead us after being ruled by foreigners. We were hopeful that things would get better,” he said.
According to the cleric, Nigeria has made significant strides in population, governance, and development since independence, but the pace of progress is being slowed by the age and capacity of its leaders. “At 65, a person cannot do the work of a young person. Old men like us cannot bear the nation’s burdens anymore. Those who have led have tried their best, but they must be courageous enough to allow younger people to participate in leadership,” he stated.
Archbishop Ojo stressed the importance of giving young Nigerians not only opportunities to serve but also key positions where their creativity and energy can be maximised. “Most of the things we do, we get counsel from young brains. When you put younger people in strategic places, development happens faster,” he noted.
Looking ahead, Ojo expressed optimism that Nigeria’s future remains bright despite its challenges. “Over the years, we have not done badly, but things can improve a lot more than this. I am very hopeful that Nigeria will be great again in my lifetime. Our currency might not be at par with the dollar, but the country will be better and favourable for all Nigerians,” he affirmed.
As the country celebrates 65 years of independence, his message is clear: the next phase of Nigeria’s greatness will depend on empowering its youth with the mantle of leadership.
Nigeria, not yet old enough at 65-Bishop Ighele
When Nigeria gained independence from Great Britain on October 1, 1960, the air was filled with optimism. Flags waved, hopes soared, and citizens believed that the new nation would chart its course toward prosperity and self-reliance. But 65 years later, Bishop Charles Ighele, General Superintendent of Holy Spirit Mission (The Happy Family Nation), argues that the country still struggles with the very essence of independence.
“Independence for a nation can be proclaimed in a day,” Ighele reflected. “But while it takes a day to declare independence, it takes years and decades to really become independent.”
For him, Nigeria’s story at 65 is one of political freedom without the substance of economic and social liberation. He notes that while Nigerian leaders are bold in speech and action, often without fear of international reprimand, the country remains dependent in critical areas such as food security, education, health care, and infrastructure.
“At age 65, Nigeria is far from having a semblance of independence in providing food for her huge population,” he said.
Despite abundant arable land—Nigeria holds one of the largest percentages of cultivable land in Africa—millions still go hungry. “People are dying of hunger because the people have not been politically led and socially and educationally parented to benefit from the huge agricultural resources in the country.”
To Ighele, agriculture is not just a means of feeding the population but a pathway to national wealth. “There is more money in agriculture than in crude oil,” he insisted, urging government to embark on what he calls “agricultural socialisation” to reorient citizens toward farming and agribusiness.
Beyond food production, Ighele laments Nigeria’s overreliance on foreign expertise in construction and engineering. “A situation where all major construction projects are being executed by foreign-owned companies is simply sending the message that Nigerian education has not provided the engineers and other construction workers who can independently run companies that can embark on massive projects,” he said. For now, he added, the nation’s best brains often end up employed by these foreign firms rather than leading indigenous enterprises.
The Bishop further highlighted the paradox of poverty that defines everyday life. With about 70 percent of Nigerians living in hardship, many depend on a small fraction of wealthier relatives, governments, or humanitarian groups for survival. “A nation where the majority are poor and look to palliatives is far from independence,” he observed. Without urgent reversal, he warned, Nigeria risks becoming “like an old poor man who achieved nothing or a rich evil man who did evil but now about to die regretting how he lived his life.”
Despite these grim realities, Ighele remains hopeful that Nigeria can rewrite its story. He believes the current government has the intellectual capacity to reverse the trend of dependency and lead the nation toward true independence. “Having had political independence, all other sections of our national life should be made to become independent,” he urged.
For Bishop Ighele, Nigeria at 65 is not too old to change, but not yet mature enough to fully grasp the weight of its independence. His message is both a caution and a call: to seize the next decades not as a burden of missed opportunities, but as a chance to finally embody the independence proclaimed in 1960.
Bishop Akwazi calls for unity, national renewal
As Nigeria celebrates her 65th Independence anniversary, former Chairman, Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) Bauchi State and the Presiding Bishop City Gate International Churches Worldwide, Cross River State, Bishop Robertson Ugar Akwazi has urged Nigerians to embrace President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of hope, faith, and action—reminding citizens that with Almighty God on their side, a new, prosperous, and self-reliant Nigeria is possible.
The bishop, reflecting on the President’s Independence Day address, noted that while the journey has been filled with trials, the nation’s resilience is proof that a brighter future lies ahead.
He emphasized that independence is not only about political freedom but about building a nation where citizens enjoy prosperity, peace, and unity.
For Bishop Akwazi, the hopes for the years to come can be summed up in three pillars: Economic Growth: Nigeria must continue leveraging reforms to strengthen its economy and create opportunities for all. Prosperity: A future where every Nigerian has access to quality education, healthcare, and jobs is within reach. Unity and Peace: Despite differences in ethnicity, religion, and culture, Nigerians must strive to live together in harmony, celebrating diversity as a strength.
The bishop stressed that national transformation requires both collective effort and government leadership. “Nation-building is the responsibility of every Nigerian,” he said. Citizens must focus on productivity, innovation, and enterprise. Critical steps include: Infrastructure Development: Building and maintaining roads, power, and transport systems to support growth. Education and Skills: Prioritizing youth empowerment through education and vocational training. Agriculture: Harnessing the nation’s rich agricultural potential to ensure food security and lower food costs. Unity and Patriotism: Rekindling the spirit of patriotism and shared purpose to overcome divisions.
The Role of Leaders
Turning to leadership, Bishop Akwazi underscored the need for accountability and transparency. “Good governance must be the cornerstone of Nigeria’s progress,” he said. Leaders, he added, should ensure that policies like the Renewed Hope Agenda are not only formulated but effectively implemented to transform the economy and society.
He also called on leaders to empower citizens—especially young people—through opportunities that encourage innovation, entrepreneurship, and meaningful participation in the nation’s growth.
A Call to Faith and Responsibility
While he acknowledged the role of prayer, Bishop Akwazi insisted that prayer must be matched with responsibility and action. With God’s blessing, he said, Nigeria’s rich resources and human capital can be harnessed to secure a future of peace and prosperity.
“Nigeria at 65 is a story of resilience,” Bishop Akwazi concluded. “But the next chapter must be written by a people who believe in their country’s greatness and are willing to work together, guided by faith, unity, and purposeful leadership.”
Beyond Prayer, a call to build values for national transformation- Adetoyese-Olagunju
For Rev. Jummy Adetoyese-Olagunju, Senior Pastor of Kingdom Light Christian Centre (Praise Arena), Nigeria’s 65th Independence anniversary is not just another date on the national calendar—it is a moment for gratitude, sober reflection, and renewed commitment to building a stronger nation.
He notes that despite decades marked by crippling economic downturns, political crises, and insecurity, Nigeria has remained resilient where others faltered. “This milestone should be marked with thanksgiving to God Almighty, the Creator, for sustaining the country and rekindling hope in its people,” he said.
Hope for years ahead
Despite persistent challenges, Olagunju points to emerging signs of progress. Ongoing government reforms in security, policy, and the economy, though gradual, are laying the foundation for a more stable and prosperous nation. But transformation, he cautions, cannot be left to government alone—it requires the active participation of citizens, civil society, and especially the Church.
One of Nigeria’s recurring pitfalls, according to the cleric, has been its overreliance on prayer as a substitute for action. “The tasks of taking the nation to the next level should be seen as action points, rather than prayer points,” he stressed.
While prayer remains vital, he insists that it must be coupled with deliberate steps to entrench values and drive progress.
For Olagunju, the Church must step beyond the walls of worship centres and become a practical force in shaping national values and policies. He argues that in countries now enjoying stability and prosperity, transformation was achieved not by religiosity alone but by institutionalising fairness, honesty, compassion, and social responsibility.
He recommends that the Nigerian Church Form a united front to advise government on educational curricula that instil godly and moral values. Collaborate with unions, professional groups, and community leaders to champion accountability and integrity. Sponsor programs and bills that strengthen institutions promoting ethics and good governance. Partner with influencers and youth to embed virtues such as honesty, responsibility, and respect in the next generation.
Bright future anchored on values
Nigeria, Olagunju insists, is richly blessed with natural resources, fertile land, and a vibrant population. “God has blessed the country with natural resources and wealth; hence we are not expected to be living poor as a nation,” he said.
What remains is for citizens and leaders alike to translate these blessings into shared prosperity by nurturing values-driven leadership. “For Nigeria, true independence will not be found merely in political freedom, but in the cultivation of values that shape every individual to live responsibly, lead with integrity, and build a society where prosperity is shared by all.
As Nigeria celebrates 65 years of self-rule, Olagunju’s message is clear: stop asking God only for good leaders, and start raising good citizens.
