A Christian organisation, the Concern Christian Youth Forum (CCYF), has urged the Federal Government to engage prominent church leaders and explore how their institutions can contribute to addressing Nigeria’s development challenges.
The forum’s convener, Paul James Adama, made the appeal in an opinion article titled, “Why the Nigerian Government Must Invite Bishop David Oyedepo and His Spiritual Sons Immediately.”
Other clerics identified in the article include Pastor David Ibiyeomie, Dr Paul Enenche and Pastor Korede Komaiya.
According to the article, the churches led by the clerics have made contributions to education, healthcare, transportation, employment generation, infrastructure development, poverty reduction and human capital development.
Adama highlighted transportation arrangements operated by the churches, which provide free bus services to worshippers and other participants attending their programmes.
He also pointed to their investments in education, including the establishment of primary and secondary schools as well as universities equipped with modern learning facilities.
On healthcare, the forum cited medical outreaches, financial assistance to patients, support for surgeries and sponsorship of individuals requiring specialised medical treatment outside Nigeria.
The article further highlighted scholarship programmes operated by the churches, saying they have provided educational opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
It also identified electricity generation and infrastructure development as areas where the religious institutions have made investments, including roads, pedestrian bridges and water facilities.
On employment, Adama claimed that the four church organisations collectively provide jobs for more than 300,000 people across different sectors, including education, healthcare, hospitality, logistics and administration.
He also noted that large conventions and international conferences organised by the churches attract participants from different parts of the world, creating economic opportunities for hotels, transport operators, traders and food vendors in host communities.
Beyond physical infrastructure and economic activities, the forum highlighted the churches’ involvement in counselling, family development, entrepreneurship training and programmes aimed at discouraging destructive lifestyles.
Adama argued that their institutional management, resource allocation and long-term planning could provide useful lessons for public administrators and development practitioners.
The forum consequently proposed a structured engagement between the Federal Government and the four clerics to examine their institutional experiences, identify practices that could be adapted and explore possible areas of collaboration.
It said the proposed engagement should focus on practical discussions around education, healthcare delivery, employment, infrastructure, social welfare, entrepreneurship and community development rather than political recognition or ceremonial activities.
The article maintained that Nigeria could accelerate its development efforts by drawing lessons from faith-based organisations, non-governmental institutions and private-sector initiatives whose activities complement government programmes.
The forum’s convener, Paul James Adama, made the appeal in an opinion article titled, “Why the Nigerian Government Must Invite Bishop David Oyedepo and His Spiritual Sons Immediately.”
Other clerics identified in the article include Pastor David Ibiyeomie, Dr Paul Enenche and Pastor Korede Komaiya.
According to the article, the churches led by the clerics have made contributions to education, healthcare, transportation, employment generation, infrastructure development, poverty reduction and human capital development.
Adama highlighted transportation arrangements operated by the churches, which provide free bus services to worshippers and other participants attending their programmes.
He also pointed to their investments in education, including the establishment of primary and secondary schools as well as universities equipped with modern learning facilities.
On healthcare, the forum cited medical outreaches, financial assistance to patients, support for surgeries and sponsorship of individuals requiring specialised medical treatment outside Nigeria.
The article further highlighted scholarship programmes operated by the churches, saying they have provided educational opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds.
It also identified electricity generation and infrastructure development as areas where the religious institutions have made investments, including roads, pedestrian bridges and water facilities.
On employment, Adama claimed that the four church organisations collectively provide jobs for more than 300,000 people across different sectors, including education, healthcare, hospitality, logistics and administration.
He also noted that large conventions and international conferences organised by the churches attract participants from different parts of the world, creating economic opportunities for hotels, transport operators, traders and food vendors in host communities.
Beyond physical infrastructure and economic activities, the forum highlighted the churches’ involvement in counselling, family development, entrepreneurship training and programmes aimed at discouraging destructive lifestyles.
Adama argued that their institutional management, resource allocation and long-term planning could provide useful lessons for public administrators and development practitioners.
The forum consequently proposed a structured engagement between the Federal Government and the four clerics to examine their institutional experiences, identify practices that could be adapted and explore possible areas of collaboration.
It said the proposed engagement should focus on practical discussions around education, healthcare delivery, employment, infrastructure, social welfare, entrepreneurship and community development rather than political recognition or ceremonial activities.
The article maintained that Nigeria could accelerate its development efforts by drawing lessons from faith-based organisations, non-governmental institutions and private-sector initiatives whose activities complement government programmes.