Bishop Urges Nigerians to Speak Positively About Country, Warns Against  Stigma

Bishop Joseph Ademola-Afolabi of Jesus Cares Crusade Ministries International has urged Nigerians, particularly Christian leaders, to stop speaking negatively about the country, warning that constant verbal attacks could tarnish the nation’s image and morale.

The UK-based cleric made the call on Thursday while inaugurating the three-day Kaduna Global Leadership Conference 2025 at Albarka Baptist Church, Barnawa, Kaduna. The conference, themed “Leadership Responsibilities – Man of God”, was organised in collaboration with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN).

Bishop Afolabi emphasised that Nigeria’s restoration requires positive confessions, prayer, and responsible leadership rather than stigmatisation and humiliation, which he said have become rampant on social media.

“Our words can kill. They can destroy. As leaders, we must stop speaking negatively about our nation and educate our members to do the same. The Bible says in Proverbs 18:21, ‘Death and life are in the power of the tongue.’ With our words, we can either restore our nation or push it down,” he said.

He also criticised Nigerians, especially youths and activists abroad, for constantly denigrating the country without offering solutions.

“Some so-called human rights activists abroad keep attacking Nigeria and labeling our leaders criminals. These are enemies of our nation misleading our children. If they tried such behaviour where they live, they would be jailed. Have you ever seen a European call their leader a criminal?” he asked.

The cleric praised the organisers of the Crusade, now in its fourth edition, especially the late Rev. Charles Christopher, and reiterated that the conference aims to sharpen leadership capacity based on biblical principles.

“Iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend,” he quoted from Proverbs 27:17. “Our gathering is to encourage one another and set our priorities right as leaders.”

Bishop Afolabi stressed that leaders must take responsibility for the nation’s condition rather than blaming others. He cited former U.S. President Harry S. Truman, who had a sign on his desk stating, “The buck stops here.”

He also warned against “wrong theology” in churches, noting that many leaders have shifted focus from eternal truths to material wealth. Quoting Psalm 73:3–4, he advised Christians not to envy the prosperity of the wicked but to trust in God’s ultimate justice.

On leadership qualities, Bishop Afolabi highlighted vision, character, and humility as essential traits for rebuilding Nigeria.

“Vision keeps a leader on course, character is measured by response to life’s challenges, and humility ensures patience in leadership,” he said.

The conference, which runs for three days, will feature sessions on leadership ethics, governance, and spiritual revival for Christian leaders across Kaduna and beyond.