AN ADDRESS TO THE NATION BY HIS HOLINESS, THE MOST REV. DR. RUFUS OKIKIOLA OSITELU, PRIMATE OF THE CHURCH OF THE LORD (TCL) WORLDWIDE.


ON THE OCCASION OF THE 2025 TABIEORAR FESTIVAL
ON AUGUST 22ND, 2025 AT OGERE REMO, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA.



Beloved in Christ,

1. GREETINGS AND THANKSGIVING
It is with a heart full of joy and gratitude to God that I welcome you all to the 89th Tabieorar Festival with the theme: “Marvellous God.”
We give glory, honour, and adoration to the Almighty God, the Author of life, for granting us the grace to witness yet another celebration of His faithfulness. This sacred festival reminds us of God’s unchanging love, His mercies that endure forever, and His power to renew our strength like the eagle’s.


Congratulations to all believers who have travelled from near and far to celebrate with us in this holy gathering. May the Lord reward your faith, grant you peace, answer your prayers speedily, and bless you beyond your expectations in Jesus’ mighty name.


2. ENCOURAGEMENT TO THE FAITHFUL
Beloved, let this festival be a moment of deep reflection and rededication.
The word of God in Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV) says:
“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”

I pray that every weary soul here shall find strength; every troubled heart shall find peace; and every broken hope shall find restoration.
I urge you to continue to walk in holiness, love one another sincerely, and let your lives shine as a light to the world in righteousness and truth.


3. ADVICE TO GOVERNMENT ON CURRENT NATIONAL CHALLENGES
Our beloved nation is currently facing some challenges, including economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, and corruption.
While it is true that the government has recorded some successes, a lot more needs to be done. The Church is an integral part of the society and therefore has a duty to contribute to national development. It is from this perspective that I wish to highlight the following: 


THE ECONOMY 
Government should prioritise policies that reduce inflation and ensure food security. Investment in agriculture, improvement of its infrastructure, enhancing its human capital, and creating a more favourable business environment. The government should foster innovation and entrepreneurship, and local industries to create jobs and reduce dependence on imports.

PEACE AND SECURITY  
Government should strengthen intelligence gathering and security institutions. Regional and community policing is very essential. Government should address the root causes of conflict; foster better coordination and collaboration among security agencies, which is vital for effective security operations; and improve border security to prevent the flow of weapons and the entry of criminal elements into the country.

GOOD GOVERNANCE 
To achieve good governance in Nigeria, the rule of law should be strengthened, and Transparency and Accountability should be promoted; citizens participation and prioritising social and economic development; protection of human rights; and fighting corruption should be nurtured and strengthened.
Appointments and opportunities should be based on competence, but not ethnicity or favouritism. Merit should be the key factor in civil service appointments.

YOUTH EMPOWERMENT
The energy of our youth should be channelled into innovation, technology, and entrepreneurship. Creating enabling environments can turn frustration into national productivity. Nigerian youth are vibrant and should be empowered as future leaders. They should therefore be equipped with skills, resources and opportunities they need to thrive and contribute to the society.

NATIONAL UNITY 
To foster national unity in Nigeria, the government at all levels should promote inclusivity through education and public discourse; strengthen institutions that encourage interaction and understanding; and address systemic inequalities. Leaders at all levels must ensure that every ethnic group and faith feels included in national development and governance.

4. PRAYER FOR NIGERIA 
As we celebrate, we cannot but lift our nation, Nigeria, before the throne of grace. 
We pray for peace in our land, for unity among our people, for prosperity, improved economy, and for wisdom for all our leaders.
The Scripture reminds us in Proverbs 14:13; thus: “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.” (NKJV).
I urge you all to be hopeful and turn to God with a grateful heart for support and inspiration, as there will surely be light at the end of the tunnel in Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

5. IN CONCLUSION 
People of God,
Let us not relent in our prayers. For with God, nothing shall be impossible.
Together, we can overcome adversity, and build a nation that reflects our highest ideals and aspirations. 
In the name of Jesus, I declare and decree, that 2025 Tabieorar shall mark a turning point for good for you, your families, the Church, Nigeria and the world at large. 
May peace and prosperity reign in our land, and joy overflow in our homes. May you continually enjoy the marvellousness of God unto great testimonies in the mighty name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 
Nigeria’s glory shall be restored and we shall all enjoy a brighter future in Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.
Happy Tabieorar!
God bless you all!!
God bless Nigeria!!!

Signed:
His Holiness, 
The Most Rev. Dr. Rufus Okikiola Ositelu
Primate of the Church of the Lord (TCL) Worldwide
President, World Council of Churches (WCC) From Africa
August 22nd, 2025

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