Nigerians Need Spiritual Rebirth to Foster National Unity – Cleric Urges

A prominent Nigerian cleric has called for a collective spiritual awakening among citizens, stressing that only a return to strong moral values and faith-based principles can guarantee true peace, justice, and national cohesion.

Speaking during a special interfaith gathering in Abuja to commemorate Nigeria’s Democracy Day, Bishop David Adeyemi of the Glorious Hope Ministries said the nation’s challenges—including insecurity, political unrest, corruption, and ethnic divisions—are symptoms of a deeper spiritual and moral crisis.

“Nigeria does not just need political restructuring or economic reforms; what we truly need is a spiritual rebirth,” he said. “If the heart of man is not transformed, laws and policies will keep failing.”

The cleric urged both religious leaders and political authorities to work together in guiding the conscience of the nation. He added that the current climate of distrust, violence, and intolerance across ethnic and religious lines threatens Nigeria’s unity and long-term peace.

Bishop Adeyemi also highlighted the role of religious institutions in peacebuilding and national orientation. He called on churches, mosques, and faith-based organizations to take the lead in instilling values such as integrity, forgiveness, humility, and service among their followers.

In his message, he urged Nigerians to reflect on their individual roles in nation-building, asking them to live by the teachings of their faiths in order to promote mutual respect and peaceful co-existence.

“We must stop looking only to government. The change must begin in our hearts, homes, and communities. A nation is only as strong as the values of its people,” he concluded.

The cleric’s message comes amid ongoing debates about national identity, ethnic agitations, and social fragmentation in the country. Many attendees at the event echoed his sentiments, calling for a return to God and a renewed sense of patriotism and shared destiny.