Christians risk bad governance by shunning politics – C&S cleric

Ona Iwa Mimo Oke Ayo, Marian Talabi, the spiritual leader of Cherubim and Seraphim, warned that Christians risk bad governance if they avoid politics. She urged Christians to actively engage in politics, stating that they should not leave the country's governance in the hands of people with conflicting values. Talabi made this call during a press briefing held in Lagos to commemorate the church's 50th anniversary.

She emphasized the importance of having genuine Christians in government at all levels and argued that Christians' moral basis to complain would be weak if they were not involved in politics. According to her, genuine Christians in government would prioritize what God wants for His people rather than commercial interests or money.

Talabi also appealed to Nigerian youths to assume leadership roles, noting that the church's founder, Maria Ogunyooye, had always believed in preparing young people for leadership. She added that Ogunyooye, during her lifetime, stressed the need for a succession plan, urging the younger generation not only to be regarded as future leaders but to be empowered to lead in the present.

The church's chairman, Segun Adelaja, recalled that the founder established the ministry in 1976, making its 50th anniversary celebration. Adelaja mentioned that the church is pursuing projects initiated by the founder, such as a clinic and an auditorium. The church is planning to raise N40 million for the clinic's equipment and N5 billion for the auditorium.

The anniversary celebration will include various events like a lecture, gala, awards night, medal rally, and a prophetic program to honor past leaders and members and project the church's future development.