In a reflective New Year message, Rev. Cornelius O.S Fawenu, the Senior Pastor of Oasis of Wisdom Bible Church in Ilorin, Nigeria, and the State Convener of the Independent State-based Peace Architecture of the National Peace Committee in Kwara State, addressed the challenges faced by Nigeria in the outgoing year and called for a recommitment to positive impact.
Rev. Fawenu acknowledged the events of the past year, expressing gratitude for the lives spared and mourning those lost, whether due to natural causes or tragic incidents like the accidental killing in Kaduna or the Christmas day killings in Plateau State. He urged the living to recommit themselves to living a purposeful life that positively influences their respective spheres.
Economically, he characterized the outgoing year as a wilderness experience of extraordinary hardship for the majority of Nigerians, attributing it to currency-redesign policies and subsequent fiscal measures. Rev. Fawenu called for a critical review of these policies, especially those contributing to the suffering of the masses. He emphasized the need for sustainable mitigating measures beyond the current palliatives, which he deemed insufficient.
The pastor urged the government to demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, considering the stretched resilience of the Nigerian people. He called for frugality in resource allocation by leaders and cautioned against hypocrisy in demanding sacrifices from the masses. Rev. Fawenu warned of potential consequences if the masses are forced into a spontaneous revolution due to economic pressures.
Addressing the legislative arm of government, Rev. Fawenu called on the National Assembly and state houses of assembly to exhibit patriotic courage in scrutinizing the 2024 budget. He urged them to ensure it is free of prodigal spending on luxury for political leaders, emphasizing that it should reflect the principles of democracy – government of the people, by the people, and for the people.
Rev. Fawenu extended the call for patriotism to ordinary citizens, urging them to refrain from exploiting government policy loopholes to the detriment of fellow citizens. He emphasized that patriotism is a national value that all must embrace for the country's greatness.
In discussing the role of religious leaders, Rev. Fawenu stressed the need for a shift away from self-promoting prophecies to a focus on messages that can improve the moral purity of society and restore sanity in the polity. He called on religious leaders to contribute to nation-building as the moral conscience of society.
Rev. Fawenu concluded his message with a message of hope, expressing conviction that after the wilderness experience, a promised land of shared prosperity awaits Nigeria. He prayed for 2024 to be the beginning of that experience for Nigerians.
