The Primate of the All Nigeria Anglican Communion (ANAC), Reverend Henry Ndukuba, has urged Nigerians to maintain hope and trust in divine intervention as the country grapples with economic and social challenges.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 2025 Divine Commonwealth Conference (DIVCCON) held in Abuja, the Primate acknowledged the widespread despair and difficulties facing Nigerians but encouraged citizens to hold steadfast to their faith.
“The theme of this year’s Synod, ‘And the Lord remembered,’ is very apt and fitting to our situation in the country,” Primate Ndukuba said. He highlighted that despite rising inflation, high unemployment, health crises, and social challenges such as infertility, God has not forgotten His people.
The Anglican leader warned against seeking quick fixes or placing trust in worldly powers, reminding Nigerians that true solutions come from divine guidance. “People are going for shortcuts. They put their trust in horses and chariots, but I want you to know that Nigeria will not continue like this. God will remember us,” he stressed.
Primate Ndukuba’s message comes at a time when many Nigerians are feeling the weight of economic hardship. Recent data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) indicates that inflation remains high, food prices have surged, and unemployment, particularly among the youth, continues to rise. These challenges, coupled with issues in healthcare access and social services, have created a climate of uncertainty for many households.
During the conference, the Primate urged citizens to avoid despair and continue working diligently, emphasizing that patience and faith are critical in overcoming the nation’s trials. “God will remember us. He will not leave us. His own timing may not be our timing, but He will surely intervene,” he said.
The Anglican Primate also spoke against reliance on short-term solutions that lack spiritual and moral grounding. He reminded Nigerians that historical and biblical lessons show that societies that abandon faith and ethical values face prolonged hardship. “We should not put our trust in worldly idols or temporary solutions. True restoration comes from God,” he added.
The DIVCCON conference, which brings together church leaders, policymakers, and faith-based organizations, serves as a platform to encourage spiritual reflection and address societal issues in Nigeria. By framing this year’s theme around God’s remembrance, the Primate sought to inspire hope and resilience among participants and citizens at large.
In his address, Primate Ndukuba recounted stories of biblical figures who endured trials but were ultimately rewarded for their faith and patience. He urged Nigerians to adopt similar perseverance in the face of today’s challenges.
“We must radically trust in God. He has promised never to forget His people, even when circumstances seem bleak. Nigeria is not abandoned; we will see brighter days if we hold onto our faith,” he said.
The Primate’s message was also a subtle call to government and societal leaders to act with integrity, stressing that divine intervention works best when coupled with human responsibility and ethical governance.
He encouraged community members, church leaders, and civil society organizations to continue advocating for social justice, equity, and compassion in local communities. “Faith alone is not enough if we do not act with care for our neighbors. God expects us to be instruments of change while trusting in His guidance,” he said.
Primate Ndukuba’s message comes amid rising public discourse about Nigeria’s economic direction, governance challenges, and the moral compass of society. Many Nigerians have expressed feelings of frustration over inadequate social services, security concerns, and high living costs, highlighting the need for both faith and practical action.
Church leaders across the country welcomed the Primate’s address, noting that faith-based guidance can play a critical role in restoring hope and encouraging ethical leadership. Reverend Joseph Agbo, a senior cleric in Lagos, described the Primate’s message as “a timely reminder that spiritual perseverance and trust in God remain essential as we navigate these turbulent times.”
As the conference concluded, participants echoed the Primate’s call for Nigerians to maintain hope, emphasizing that while the nation faces serious economic and social difficulties, faith, patience, and collective action can pave the way for meaningful progress.
The All Nigeria Anglican Communion is one of the largest Christian bodies in the country, with millions of adherents across Nigeria. Its leadership often plays a significant role in shaping public discourse on moral, social, and political issues. The DIVCCON conference is an annual event designed to foster spiritual reflection, national unity, and discussions on societal challenges facing Nigeria.
Nigeria’s economic and social landscape has faced significant strain in recent years. Inflation surged to over 22% in some sectors, unemployment rates remain high, and healthcare and social support systems are under pressure. The Primate’s message resonates with citizens struggling to cope with these realities, offering a spiritual framework for endurance and hope.
