10/08/2026
METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA
COMMUNIQUÉ ISSUED AT THE END OF THE 50TH/15TH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE OF METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA HELD IN THE ARCHDIOCESE OF IBADAN FROM SUNDAY 2ND TO SUNDAY 9TH AUGUST 2026, UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF HIS EMINENCE, DR. OLIVER ALI ABA, JP, PRELATE, METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA
The 50th/15th Biennial Conference of Methodist Church Nigeria was held in the Archdiocese of Ibadan from Sunday 2nd to Sunday 9th August 2026 under the theme, “I Will Fight for You” (Exodus 14:14).
Having prayerfully sought the mind of God and reflected on the state of the Church and the nation, Conference affirms that, despite Nigeria's present challenges, God's promise remains sure: “The Lord shall fight for you.”
Accordingly, Conference issues the following communiqué.
1. The Theme: God's Assurance in Troubled Times
Conference reaffirms the abiding promise of Exodus 14:14 that God remains the Defender and Deliverer of His people. It therefore calls on Nigerians not to surrender to fear or despair, but to remain steadfast in faith, uphold righteousness, pursue justice, and work together for the peace and progress of the nation.
2. State of the Nation and the Economy
Conference acknowledged reform efforts by government in key sectors but expressed deep concern over the worsening economic hardship, hunger, insecurity, unemployment, and declining living standards confronting millions of Nigerians.
It identified corruption, impunity, and the mismanagement of public resources as major impediments to national development.
Conference observed that, despite increased revenues to the Federal Government and higher allocations to states and local governments, the expected improvement in citizens' welfare remains largely elusive, while substantial constituency project appropriations have often failed to produce visible grassroots development.
It therefore calls for transparent, accountable, and people-centred leadership that confronts corruption decisively, safeguards public resources, promotes investment, food security, and job creation, and ensures that the benefits of economic reforms reach ordinary Nigerians, especially the poor and vulnerable.
3. Security, State Police, and National Protection
Conference expresses deep concern over the persistent insecurity across Nigeria, particularly the recurring killings and violent attacks in Benue and Plateau States, as well as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts, and other forms of violent criminality threatening lives and national stability.
It commends the successful rescue of the pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as well as other abductees rescued from Ogun, Kwara, and Niger States, and applauds the Federal Government, the Government of the respective States, and the nation's security agencies for these successful operations.
Conference honours the memory of all who have lost their lives to insecurity across the country, pray for the repose of their souls, as well comfort of the Holy Spirit, peace and grace of Christ for all the bereaved, maimed, displaced, or otherwise badly affected.
Conference supports all effort to end insecurity in the nation with our prayers, our substance, and moral instructions, as well as support government’s resolution not to pay ransom to kidnappers.
Furthermore, Conference reiterates its support for the establishment of State Police as part of comprehensive security reform to strengthen grassroots security, intelligence gathering, and rapid response to emerging threats.
4. Xenophobia and the Protection of Nigerians Abroad
Conference strongly condemns the recent xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant protests in South Africa, describing them as a grave affront to human dignity, African solidarity, and peaceful coexistence.
It commends the Federal Government of Nigeria for the evacuation of affected Nigerians and urges the Governments of Nigeria and South Africa to intensify diplomatic engagement to safeguard lives, uphold justice, and strengthen the bonds of friendship between both nations.
5. Healthcare, Human Dignity and Social Well-being
Conference reaffirms the sanctity of human life and condemns sexual and gender-based violence, child abuse, human trafficking, and all forms of exploitation of vulnerable persons.
It commends healthcare professionals for their sacrifice and welcomes the temporary truce between the Federal Government and the National Association of Resident Doctors.
Conference urges both parties to sustain dialogue, implement agreed measures promptly, and ensure uninterrupted healthcare services while continuing investment in the nation's health sector.
6. Democracy, Good Governance, and Public Accountability
Conference welcomes the Federal Government's reaffirmation of its commitment to democratic governance, respect for the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and its assurance that it neither seeks nor supports a one-party state.
It calls on all political actors to uphold the rule of law, conduct peaceful, free, fair, and credible elections, and exercise public office with integrity, humility, justice, accountability, and compassion.
7. Church–Government Partnership for National Renewal
Conference notes the Federal Government's commitment to deepen engagement with faith-based organisations and encourages sustained consultation with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), and other faith communities whose ministries in education, healthcare, humanitarian service, peacebuilding, and moral formation remain indispensable to national development.
It urges that such engagements produce tangible improvements in governance, security, economic recovery, and the welfare of the Nigerian people.
8. Commendation
Conference congratulates Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, as a committed Methodist, on her election as the incoming President of the Nigerian Bar Association and prays that Almighty God will grant her wisdom, strength, and grace in the discharge of her national responsibility.
9. Appreciation to the Government and People of Oyo State
Conference expresses profound appreciation to the Government and good people of Oyo State for their warm hospitality and invaluable support towards the successful hosting of the 50th/15th Biennial Conference of Methodist Church Nigeria.
It particularly commends the State Government and the security agencies for providing a peaceful, safe, and secure environment throughout the Conference.
Conference prays that Almighty God will continue to bless Oyo State with enduring peace, progress, and prosperity.
Conclusion
Finally, Conference calls on all Nigerians to reject fear, hopelessness, and division, and to trust in the unfailing promises of God.
It urges those entrusted with leadership to govern with justice, accountability, compassion, and the fear of God, while encouraging citizens to uphold righteousness, patriotism, and peaceful coexistence.
Methodist Church Nigeria remains committed to prayer, moral leadership, and constructive engagement with government and all stakeholders for the peace, unity, and prosperity of Nigeria.
With unwavering confidence in God's Word, Conference declares:
“The Lord shall fight for our beloved nation, Nigeria, and we shall hold our peace” (Exodus 14:14).
Issued this 9th day of August, 2026.
The Rt. Rev. Dr. Babatunde A. Taiwo
Secretary of Conference
Sir. (Ide) Ifeanyi N. Okechukwu, KJW
Conference Lay President
His Eminence, Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, JP
Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria
