Pastor Samuel Olusegun Oladele, President of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC), Nigeria and Overseas, has called on Nigerian leaders to prioritize the welfare of the masses, emphasizing that their positions should be a source of joy and not hardship for the people. He made these remarks during a press conference on Wednesday as part of the preparations for the upcoming Church Pastors’ Conference at the Babalola Memorial Camp.
Reflecting on the socio-economic challenges faced by Nigerians in the past year, Oladele urged leaders to take inspiration from historical figures such as Obafemi Awolowo, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Alhaji Tafawa Balewa, advocating for a leadership style that alleviates suffering and brings hope to the populace. "The Church is not untouched by the adverse socio-economic hardships, yet we have reasons to express gratitude for God’s Grace and Favor," he stated.
He continued, "If Nigeria is to thrive, we must take responsibility for the nation, love it deeply, and pray for its peace and prosperity, as advised in 1 Timothy 2:1-2 and Psalm 122:6.”
Also, Pastor Oladele announced new regulations regarding the invitation of non-CAC ministers to officiate at Church assemblies. He mandated that any requests to invite external ministers must be submitted for approval at least 90 days prior to the event.
Addressing ministers at the Babalola International Miracle Camp, Oladele clarified that while the Church welcomes collaboration with ministers from other denominations, those invited must share similar doctrinal beliefs. He instructed that all applications for such invitations should be channeled through District Superintendents to Regional Superintendents for proper vetting.
Pastor Oladele also expressed optimism regarding the resolution of the long-standing division within the CAC, which began in the early 1990s following the suspension of several senior ministers. He encouraged the Church's ministers to engage in prayer for unity, noting that recent informal meetings and joint prayer sessions between opposing factions signal potential reconciliation.