ABUJA – Bishop Dr. Effa Emmanuel, Founder and President of the World Royal City Church, has called for a stronger partnership between the government and religious organizations to combat the growing crises of hunger and poverty in Nigeria.
Speaking at the 17th-anniversary celebration of his church in Abuja, Bishop Emmanuel emphasized that religious leaders, who have deep trust within their communities, are in a unique position to help bridge the gap between the people and the government.
“The government needs to partner with religious bodies to reach those who would otherwise never seek help from public institutions,” he said. “There are people who walk into my office daily without food, yet they would never approach a government office. Religious leaders can be that bridge of trust.”
A Call for Church Representation in Government
Bishop Emmanuel proposed that the Christian community should have official representation in the National Assembly to advocate for religious and humanitarian concerns.
“I believe there should be a representative in the House of Representatives for the Church, the Body of Christ, to voice our struggles because the government doesn’t fully understand our challenges,” he asserted.
Strengthening Nigeria’s Economy Through Business
Beyond humanitarian efforts, the bishop stressed the need for an enabling business environment, highlighting that economic growth is primarily driven by the private sector, not the government.
“The first step in reducing suffering is to create a fair business climate,” he noted. “For too long, we’ve relied on government jobs, but real economic stability comes from creativity, entrepreneurship, and sustainable businesses.”
A Gathering of Global and National Leaders
The anniversary event also marked the inauguration of two key religious organizations:
- The Pastors’ Support Network, a coalition of over 4,000 pastors across Nigeria.
- The Grand Alliance of Christian Bishops, which unites over 50 bishops from six states.
Among the event’s notable speakers was Rev. Tun Boon, a leadership expert from Brunei, who highlighted how transformative leadership has reshaped nations like Singapore and India.
“Throughout history, great leaders have shaped destinies,” Rev. Boon said. “The impact of leadership cannot be overstated.”
Former PFN Chairman Archbishop Robertson Akwazi echoed the sentiment, expressing optimism about Nigeria’s future.
“We believe in the rebirth of Nigeria,” he declared. “This is our country, and we are committed to making it better, no matter the challenges.”
As Nigeria continues to grapple with economic and social difficulties, Bishop Emmanuel’s call for faith-based partnerships with the government signals a renewed push for collaborative solutions to national issues.
