Renowned scholar and former Head of the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Ibadan, Prof. Jacob Kehinde Ayantayo, has called for urgent internal reforms and a reorientation of values within the Nigerian Church.
Delivering a lecture titled “Promoting Christian Values and Advancing the Course for National Development” at the inaugural Pastor S.G.O. Uyeh Public Lecture held at LAWMNA International Headquarters, Olorunda, Ketu, Lagos, Ayantayo stressed that the Church must reclaim its moral authority to play a meaningful role in the nation’s development.
He warned that the Church’s credibility is being eroded by moral compromise, the unchecked spread of the prosperity gospel, silence in the face of injustice, and internal divisions.
The event drew religious leaders, scholars, and community stakeholders, all echoing the need for the Church to lead with integrity and be a catalyst for national transformation.
“The Church must undergo sincere internal reform,” Ayantayo stated.
“To regain its prophetic voice and societal influence, Church leaders must be held to high biblical standards, and those involved in misconduct should face transparent disciplinary measures.”, he said.
He further stressed the need for the Church to be vocal in confronting injustice.
“Faith leaders should be non-partisan and courageous in advocating for justice, equity, and governance that serves the common good,” he said.
Beyond its spiritual mission, Ayantayo urged churches to actively contribute to community development through investment in education, healthcare, poverty alleviation, and civic engagement. He encouraged mentorship programs, innovation hubs, youth councils, and vocational training to empower young Nigerians for nation-building.
He also highlighted the need for civic education to be integrated into Christian discipleship, arguing that values such as compassion, honesty, diligence, and social justice can only thrive in a society where the government also plays its part. This includes tackling poverty, promoting ethical religious engagement, and creating a morally supportive environment.
Ayantayo advocated for a reformed education system aligned with market needs through functional vocational and digital training centers. He called for an expansion and better management of initiatives like N-Power to provide sustainable employment opportunities.
Earlier in his opening speech, the Territorial Chairman of LAWMNA and honoree of the lecture series, Pastor Gabriel Okpako Uyeh, echoed Ayantayo’s call, urging that Christian values be upheld across all spheres of society.
He said “Those in political and social life must see themselves as Christ’s ambassadors,” he said. “Only then can God-ordained values be truly embedded in our national life.”
Uyeh appealed to both church and national leaders to adopt the lecture’s recommendations for building strong national values and ethical governance.
In his keynote address, The Chairman of the Lagos Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bishop Prof. Stephen Adegbite, warned that the nation risks losing its moral compass if the Church fails to uphold and promote Christian values.
“The Church must rise in faith, wisdom, and action,” he said, “to prevent the gates of hell from prevailing over both it and the nation.”
Pastor Emmanuel O. Olowoyeye, Chairman of the Planning Committee for the S.G.O. Uyeh Public Lecture Series, expressed hope that the series will continue to serve as a platform for addressing critical issues affecting both the Church and society.
“We are confident this initiative will foster dialogue and solutions for the challenges we face in the religious and public spheres,” Olowoyeye stated.
