*As Christian Leaders Recommends Peace-building and Conflict Resolution for Sustainable Developmentjh
Christian leaders have called on churches across Nigeria to intensify efforts in promoting community Peace-building and conflict resolution as vital tools for achieving sustainable development, social stability, and good governance.
The call was made during the 4th Pastor S.G.O. Uyeh Public Lecture series (Welcome Home Edition), Foundation Awareness Programme and Book Presentation, themed "The Responsibility of the Christian Body in Community Peace Building and Conflict Resolution," held on 28, August , 2026 at Dantinajo Resort, Old Olomoro Road, Oleh, Delta State.
The event was put together the S.G.O. Foundation in conjunction with Dantinajo Resort, Oleh, and The Apostolic Church Nigeria (TACN), LAWMNA Territory.
The ceremony attracted Christian leaders, clergy, government officials, academics, traditional leaders, women, youths and other dignitaries from Delta State and beyond.
Speaking at the event, the founder of the foundation, Pastor (Dr.) Senior Gabriel Okpako Uyeh (JP), expressed profound gratitude to God for preserving him throughout his 62 years of active ministry in the Lord's vineyard. While appreciating family members, friends, colleagues, church leaders and all those who supported him during his 62 years of active service and attended the celebration in his honour, he prayed for God's blessings and safe journey for all participants.
Delivering the keynote lecture titled "The Responsibility of the Christian Body in Community Building and Conflict Resolution: Integrating Biblical Principles with Good Governance for Sustainable Development," the Head of the Department of Political Science and Public Administration, Glorious Vision University, Ogwa, Edo State, Dr. John Oghenekvwe Ifaka, noted that Nigeria, particularly the Niger Delta, has continued to grapple with numerous security and governance challenges, including insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, separatist agitations, herder-farmer conflicts, illegal oil bunkering, artisanal refining and inter-community disputes.
He noted that these challenges have contributed significantly to poverty, unemployment and underdevelopment, stressing that the Church cannot remain indifferent while communities continue to suffer.
"The complex legacy of Niger Delta militancy, the persistent insecurity associated with illegal oil bunkering and artisanal refining, as well as inter-community conflicts over land ownership and political representation among the Isoko, Urhobo, Ijaw and Itsekiri people, demand urgent and sincere intervention from Christian bodies that profess to be the salt of the earth and the light of the world," he said.
Dr. Ifaka maintained that Nigeria is not a failed state, noting that the country is richly endowed with abundant human and natural resources, but has been hindered by poor leadership and ineffective management.
Quoting extensively from the Scriptures, including Amos 5:21–24, he challenged Christian leaders to move beyond preaching and become active agents of justice, reconciliation and community transformation.
"A church that prays for peace on Sunday while ignoring land disputes, environmental degradation, youth unemployment and governance failures throughout the week has fundamentally misunderstood the God it claims to serve," he stated.
Also speaking, Rt. Rev. Benjamin Idume (Ph.D.) urged Christian leaders to embrace their biblical responsibility as peacemakers by promoting justice, dialogue and reconciliation within their communities in order to foster sustainable development.
Chairman of the occasion, Elder Celestine Peter Akpan, lamented the growing persecution of Christians across the world and called on believers to remain steadfast in propagating the Gospel despite prevailing challenges.
He commended Pastor Uyeh and his wife for establishing a foundation that would continue to strengthen Christian values, promote peace and inspire more people to embrace the Christian faith.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Secretary of the Board of Trustees of the Pastor S.G.O. Uyeh Foundation, Dr. (Mrs.) Joy Orevaoghene Nwaezeigwe, said, increasing economic hardship, moral decadence and communal conflicts have heightened the need for the Church to serve as a force for peace and reconciliation.
She described the public lecture as timely, noting that many communities in Isoko land and across Nigeria are currently experiencing various forms of crisis that require collective action from both spiritual and community leaders.
According to her, the annual lecture was instituted to honour Pastor Dr. Senior Gabriel Okpako Uyeh (JP), former Vice President of The Apostolic Church Nigeria and Chairman Emeritus of LAWNA Territory, following his successful retirement after 62 years of meritorious service in the ministry.
She commended his exemplary leadership with humility, spiritual depth, wisdom and fatherly guidance, praying that God would grant him many more years of good health and continued impact.
Dr. Nwaezeigwe expressed appreciation to members of the Uyeh family, particularly those from Uweye Quarters, Uzere Kingdom, as well as all guests and supporters whose presence contributed to the success of the programme.
The event featured the presentation of a commemorative book in honour of Pastor Uyeh, praise and worship sessions, dances- all celebrating his dedication to Christian service and reaffirming Church's commitment to fostering peace, unity and sustainable development in society.
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