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We need a real pragmatic leader with a vision that will bring Nigeria out of the current economic quagmire – Courage Igene
A FIRE BRAND CLERGY, APOSTLE COURAGE IGENE,THE PRESIDING PASTOR INCHARGE OF ALL NATIONS CHURCH, UNITED STATES BASED PASTOR SPOKE ON MANY ISSUES RELATING TO THE CHRISTIAN FAITH, SEPERATIST MOVEMENT IN THE COUNTRY AND POLITICS IN GENERAL. HIS POSITION ON CRITICAL THINGS AFFECTING THE NATION SUCH AS LEADERSHIP, MENTORSHIP AND THE RETIREMENT OF THE CLERGY. EMMANUEL CLEMENT IN THIS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW, CAPTURED ALL THESE.
MORE OFTEN CHURCHES GET ACCUSED OF NOT PRIORITISING MEMBER’S WELFARE. WHAT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT THIS?
It is a wrong assessment. If some don’t do it, doesn’t mean all don’t do it. Most churches don’t publicize what is done for their members. Most churches i know including ours give out so much to help and support not just our members but others in need. So, when people make such blanket accusatory assumptions, it is done out of ignorance. It can be termed as a fallacy of hasty generalization.
RELIGION HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS ONE OF THE MAJOR PROBLEMS SOME COUNTRIES ARE FACING ESPECIALLY NIGERIA. WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON THE NEED FOR UNITY AMONG CHRISTIANS AND MUSLIMS ESPECIALLY IN THE NORTHERN PART OF THE COUNTRY?
I believe this is true because Religion is different from Christianity. Religion is man finding a way to get to God through a bunch of self-imposed rules. Religion is a problem because it has done more harm than good. Christianity is not a religion, it’s a relationship. Big difference! We know who we serve and believe. His name is Jesus. He is “the way” not “a way.” The others are religion because they are trying to find the way. Now, on the need for Christians and those of the other faith to work together, it’s a good thing. We are commanded to love everyone. That’s how they will know we are the disciples of Jesus. John 13:35 “by this shall all men that you are my disciples if you have love one for another.” Intercession is going on for the northern part of Nigeria and we urge everyone to continue to pray. However, we call on the Federal Government to do more by stamping out the terrorists once and for all.
WHAT IS YOUR TAKE ON THE ONGOING SEPARATIST CALL IN THE COUNTRY?
Many are making this call out of frustration from the system, you can’t blame them. Many have been marginalized over the years, and they feel this is the way out. If the right person was in power and right things being done, such calls would be minimal. I believe when Nigeria eventually enthrones the right person in power, he would unify the country, take fundamental steps to empower the citizens economically, provide basic infrastructure and so on, such calls would lessen because the people would be happy that things are going well.
IN YOUR OWN VIEW, WHAT DO YOU SUGGEST AS THE WAY OUT OF THE CHALLENGES NIGERIA IS FACED WITH?
I strongly believe we need a real pragmatic leader with a vision that will bring Nigeria out of the economic quagmire it is in right now. Real change starts from the top. Even the Bible says the Anointing flows from the Head, and down to the beard and to the skirt. Real change must start from the top.
WHAT IS YOUR ADVICE TO THE NATION’S LEADERSHIP ON YOUTH RESTIVENESS?
The answer is Empower the Youth! The Bible says in Proverbs 20:29 “The glory of the youth is their strength.” What do you want the youth to do with all the strength they have? They are done with school, no jobs, no financial empowerment to start businesses. They can’t starve to death. As a result, some are unfortunately pushed into crime and all manner of fraud. The Government should please help empower the youth; it will greatly reduce all the unnecessary rancor they are engaged in. An idle mind is the devil’s workshop. Remember that!
SIR, IN YOUR CHURCH, DO YOU BELIEVE IN RETIREMENT? IF YES, AT WHAT AGE AND IS THE CHURCH AN AFFILIATE OF CAN OR PFN?
We don’t retire, rather we refire! However, A person can step down at whatever age he or she chooses and get all the support needed from the commission but we don’t decide it for the person because everyone’s goal and passion different. There is no Christian Association Of Nigeria (CAN) or Pentecostal Fellowship Of Nigeria (PFN) here in America. So, we are not associated with them.
MENTORSHIP! IN GETTING A MENTOR, IS IT ADVISABLE TO HAVE MENTORS YOUNGER THAN YOU?
True mentorship has nothing to do with age. Jesus mentored the elderly at age 12. (Luke 2:42-50). Josiah was 8 years when he ruled Jerusalem and reigned for 31 years. (2nd Kings 22:1) its not a function of age. You can be mentored by someone younger than you as long as they know what you don’t know, placed in a position you are not, empowered by wisdom in a field you may not be familiar with. God can use anyone irrespective of age to communicate knowledge to you.
For a better society
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