By Daniel Karlmax
Christian leaders have emphasized the fear of God and righteous leadership as critical foundations for national development, calling on the Church to remain a beacon of hope and actively contribute to shaping Nigeria’s future.
The call was made during the first Convocation Ceremony of the Goodnews Bible Training Institute (GOBTI), the training arm of the Chapel of Goodnews Church, Kaduna.
Speaking at the event, the Chairman, Board of Governors of GOBTI, Professor Paul Chidi Okonkwo, said the Institute was established to equip men and women with biblical knowledge and prepare them for effective service to God and humanity through purposeful ministry.
He charged the newly commissioned graduates to uphold the vision of the Church as captured in 2 Timothy 2:15, which encourages believers to study and present themselves as approved workers of God.
“Having gone through the rigours of training, they are expected to show themselves approved as men and women who can rightly handle the work of God,” Okonkwo said.
He stressed that the fear of God remains the foundation upon which nations are built, describing the Church as a source of hope for Nigeria at a time of national challenges.
According to him, the scripture teaches that “when the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice,” adding that righteousness is what exalts a nation.
He urged the Church to intensify prayers for righteous leaders as the country approaches another electioneering season, while encouraging citizens to exercise their civic responsibilities based on conscience and spiritual guidance rather than political influence or material inducements.
Okonkwo expressed optimism that Nigeria’s challenges, though significant, are not beyond solution, stressing that the country would rise again through God’s intervention and responsible leadership.
The Chairman explained that GOBTI, which was established in 2013, commenced academic activities in 2025 and is currently running its second academic session.
The maiden convocation combined graduates from two sessions.
He encouraged the graduates to go into society with the knowledge and skills acquired, using their training to serve God and contribute positively to the Kingdom.
Also speaking, the Provost of GOBTI, Pastor Akin Afuwape, said the Institute’s training focuses on both personal development and ministry, preparing graduates to become effective ambassadors of Christ wherever they find themselves.
He noted that workplaces, communities and neighbourhoods should become platforms for ministry, urging the graduates to seek opportunities to impact lives beyond the confines of the church.
Afuwape also called on Christians to take active interest in national affairs, particularly in the political process, stressing that the Church cannot afford to remain indifferent to the country’s destiny.
“The Church cannot stand away from politics. We have to take the destiny of this country in our hands by supporting leaders who will improve the lives of the poor and address the challenges facing the people,” he said.
On the economic situation in the country, he urged Nigerians to remain patient and trust God, noting that the challenges Nigeria faces did not emerge overnight and would require time and collective effort to overcome.
Some of the graduands described the programme as a major milestone for the Church, saying it would reduce the need for ministers to travel elsewhere for bible training.
Mr. Donatus Enya said the training exposed participants to different dimensions of ministry, leadership and personal growth, adding that the leadership development component provided insights applicable both in church and secular environments.
Another graduand, Mr. Bashir Salaki, described the training as the fulfilment of his dream to become a minister of the gospel and propagate the message of Christ.
Salaki said regular church attendance alone may not provide the depth of spiritual growth required, emphasizing the importance of structured biblical training.
“Through this programme, God opened my heart to many things I thought I already knew. The training has helped me build my spiritual life and deepen my understanding of God,” he said.
The convocation was held as part of the wider annual mission convention of the Chapel of Goodnews, themed: “I Must Work the Works of Him That Sent Me, While It Is Day,” drawn from John 9:4.
Editing By Godwin Duru
