Presiding Bishop of Rhema Christian Church & Towers, Archbishop Taiwo Akinola, has urged Nigerians to stop speaking negatively about their country and instead embrace hope, faith and confidence in its future, insisting that the nation’s present economic, social and political challenges should not be allowed to define its destiny.
Akinola, who made the call during the church’s 35th anniversary celebration, said Nigerians must change the narrative of hopelessness surrounding the country by deliberately speaking positively about its future and demonstrating faith in its capacity to overcome its difficulties.
Speaking at the Rhema World Convention (RWC) 2026, which marked the climax of activities commemorating the church’s 35 years of existence, the cleric warned against the growing tendency among citizens to constantly pronounce doom on the nation, stressing that the country’s challenges, however daunting, should not extinguish hope for a better tomorrow.
He maintained that Nigerians must begin to recognise the nation’s enormous potential rather than continually reinforcing narratives of failure and despair, urging citizens to cultivate a positive mindset while working towards the country’s development.
Drawing lessons from the church’s journey over the past three and a half decades, Akinola said its transformation from a small congregation into an international Christian ministry demonstrated what faith, perseverance, sacrifice and commitment to a common purpose could accomplish.
“What started with just a handful of people has, by the grace of God, grown into a global Christian movement,” he said.
The Archbishop, who attributed the church’s growth and expansion to divine mercy and intervention, recalled the challenges and defining moments that characterised its early years, expressing appreciation to God and acknowledging the contributions of ministers, members and partners who sustained the ministry through difficult periods.
According to him, the anniversary represented more than numerical growth or institutional expansion, describing it as a celebration of 35 years of divine preservation, spiritual impact and testimonies of God’s faithfulness.
He consequently challenged members and ministers to remain steadfast in their Christian calling, expressing confidence that the same God who sustained the ministry from its humble beginnings would lead it into greater dimensions of growth and international relevance.
The week-long convention, which attracted worshippers, ministers, political and community leaders, as well as delegates from Nigeria and the diaspora, was held under the theme, “MORE THAN CONQUERORS,” drawn from Romans 8:37.
The biblical passage declares: “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”
Addressing the congregation during the closing service, Akinola also charged Christians to uphold the power in the name of Jesus Christ and live holy lives worthy of their calling, stressing that the profession of faith must be reflected in personal conduct, integrity and commitment to Christian values.
He reminded worshippers that being more than conquerors did not imply an absence of difficulties but the assurance of victory through Christ, urging them to remain steadfast in their convictions regardless of the challenges confronting them.
The anniversary celebration, which featured a series of spiritual activities, reached its climax with a thanksgiving service characterised by praise and worship, Holy Communion, the graduation of students of Rhema Bible Institute and the ordination of the Chancellor and other church leaders.
Other programmes held during the convention included prayer meetings, biblical teachings, ministers’ conferences and miracle rallies aimed at strengthening the spiritual lives of participants and equipping ministers for greater effectiveness in their assignments.
In addition to the spiritual activities, the convention provided an opportunity for humanitarian outreach, as the Living Hope Foundation, United States, distributed welfare packages to beneficiaries during the closing programme.
The intervention was described as a practical demonstration of the church’s commitment to compassion, generosity and care for vulnerable members of society, particularly at a time when many families are contending with economic difficulties.
The gathering also brought together clergy from different Christian denominations, members of Rhema Christian Church from across Nigeria and abroad, and other dignitaries who joined the congregation in celebrating the ministry’s achievements over the years.
Reflecting on the church’s growth, Akinola reiterated its commitment to raising a glorious assembly of believers devoted to power, purity and purpose, while encouraging members to remain united in advancing its spiritual and humanitarian mission.
He maintained that the lessons of the ministry’s 35-year journey were relevant not only to the Christian community but also to the nation, emphasising the importance of perseverance, unity, hard work and faith in overcoming difficulties.
The cleric urged Nigerians not to surrender to despair in the face of prevailing national challenges but to remain hopeful and committed to building a country that would fulfil the aspirations of its citizens.
