Opinion

The Oracle: The Roles of the Church in Modern Nigerian COVID-19 Era: Security and Other Challenges (Pt. 1)

Published

4 years ago

March 4, 2022

Eric

By Mike Ozekhome

INTRODUCTION

Covid-19 has had huge and debilitating impact on every aspect of the global economy. In Nigeria, the impact of Covid-19 has been devastating across all sectors of the society. The Covid-19 pandemic and its attendant consequences have compounded to the despicable situation of the current Nigeria. Unemployment, poverty, inflation, banditry, stealing, marauding, kidnapping, killing, insecurity etc., have become the new normal and the government only involves itself when a Politically Exposed Person (PEP) or a large number of people are affected. In many instances, the government keeps mute even where both circumstances above occur. While the Federal government, like an Agama lizard that fell from the roof, is applauding itself for the job done so far, the reality is that the fabric that holds the nation is being torn apart. Therefore, there is a need for all tiers of governments, organisations and individuals to work towards eradicating the dreadful pandemic from Nigeria. The religious world, which includes churches, is not spared from this duty and role. In fact, it occupies a key role in the fight to curbing the Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria.

THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered corona virus. The first known case was identified in Wuhan, China, in December 2019. The disease has since spread worldwide, leading to an ongoing pandemic. The first confirmed case of Covid-19 in Nigeria was announced on the 27^th day of February, 2020, when an Italian citizen in Lagos tested positive for the virus. On the 9^th day of March 2020, a second case of the virus was reported in Ewekoro, Ogun State.

Data from the official website of the Nigeria Centre for the Control of Diseases (NCDC) as at the 12^th day of May, 2021, at 1:55pm, shows that there are 165, 468 confirmed cases of the virus in Nigeria: 7, 085 active cases, 156, 318 discharged cases and 2,065 death. One unique trait about Covid-19 in Nigeria is that every State, including the Federal Capital territory, Abuja, has at least five confirmed case of the virus.

COVID-19 spreads primarily through droplets of saliva or discharge from the nose when an infected person coughs or sneezes. So, it is important that everyone regularly practice standard respiratory etiquette. At the moment, the virus has no cure. However, it is believed that even when an effective vaccine is developed, it will not end the pandemic unless it is within reach of all people in all countries.

IMPACTS OF COVID-19

The impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic – direct and indirect – are grave, global and unprecedented. In a mere five months, the virus has spread all over the world, reaching 216 nations and territories, resulting certainly in many more than the 6 million cases of infection so far officially confirmed, and the deaths of more than 379,000 people, including many healthcare and other frontline workers.

Public health systems in the worst affected countries have been stretched to the limit and beyond, access to essential health services for many other conditions has been compromised, and the disruption of routine immunization services is putting an estimated 80 million children – in rich and poor countries alike – at risk of diseases like diphtheria, measles and polio. Approximately 1.2 billion students – 70% of the world’s student population – have had their education disrupted by the closure of educational institutions. Moreover, closures, lockdowns and isolation measures have been attended by a sharply increased incidence of domestic violence and abuse against women and children.

Economies have been tipped into recession; unemployment driven to record levels; the livelihoods of vast numbers of people around the world imperiled; food insecurity massively increased; and life in countries and communities already mired in poverty has been made even more precarious. While water, hygiene and waste management services are essential to prevent the transmission of the virus, this pandemic is occurring in the context of a global water crisis, in which billions of people around the world do not have access to safe drinking water, sanitation services, or even basic handwashing facilities.

With its concurrent impacts on health, education and income, the pandemic is expected to provoke an overall reversal in global human development, and significantly to disrupt progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Meanwhile, natural and human-made disasters, such as the recent tropical storm in El Salvador, the locust plague in east Africa, and the conflict in Cameroon and many other pre-existing challenges afflicting the world, are still rampaging, but with less attention and diminished capacity to respond.

Daily life for people and communities around the world has been radically altered. Physical distancing has reshaped human interaction in many contexts – including worship and religious observances. Many church communities have been unable to gather for months, even during the Lenten and Easter season, the holiest days in the Christian calendar.

Though in some ways the pandemic has been a great equalizer in its range and global impact, it is also exposing and exacerbating the deep divisions, injustices, economic inequalities and racism in our societies. The virus does not respect borders, wealth or status and is affecting all people directly or indirectly. But it especially threatens the most vulnerable people – those suffering from chronic illness, the aged, the poor, racial minorities, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people, migrants and displaced people, and all those living on the margins of society. It is therefore clear that the fight against Covid-19 cannot be fought by nations alone as its impacts are far too devastating and wide to control. Consequently, individuals and organisations need to join the fight against Covid-19, the Church included

THE ROLE OF THE CHURCH IN THE COVID-19 ERA

Religious centres are among the institutions or bodies affected by Covid-19. During the first wave of Covid-19 in Nigeria, the government suspended religious gathering and ordered a nationwide lockdown with a view to halt the spread of the virus. Though, the lockdown has been eased, the virus is still being transmitted according to NCDC. This calls for concern. Consequently, everyone, including the church, must not be complacent in the fight against Covid-19. This article aims to examine the role of the church in this Covid-19 era.

In Mathew 16:17-19, Jesus Christ presented a perfect description of the Church in the society. He said:

“Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven. And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it”.

The word “Church” does not refer to a building or an organization, but to a people who understand their identity in Christ. In Matthew 16:18, Jesus pronounced, “…you are ‘peteros’ (speaking of a rock-splinter or a small piece of rock, which comes from a bigger rock ‘petra’) and upon this ‘petra’, upon this revelation of who I am and who you are; upon this revelation of my true identity and your true identity revealed, I will build my ‘CHURCH”.

The Church is not an agency of the State. However, it is an integral part of the State. In Chapter II of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), the State is mandated to ensure that religious and cultural life are not endangered. Thus, when the State is threatened by a disease, it has the authority to adopt measures justified by law to religious and cultural life. It is expected of everyone, including the Church, to complement the efforts of the State.

THE ORIGIN OF THE CHURCH

The Christian Church originated in Roman Judea in the first century AD/CE, founded on the teachings of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whose disciples came to be known as the first “Christians”. For many Christians, the holiday of Pentecost (an event that occurred after Jesus’ ascension to Heaven) represents the birthday of the Church, which was signified by the descent of the Holy Spirit on the disciples. The leadership of the Christian Church began with the Apostles (disciples). The Church spread throughout the Roman Empire and beyond, gaining major establishments in cities such as Jerusalem, Antioch and Edessa.

As history teaches, the religion of Christianity upon which the Church is built quickly became a widely persecuted religion. It was condemned by the Jewish authorities as a heresy, which initially led to the rejection, crucifixion and death of Jesus Christ. The Roman authorities persecuted it because, like Judaism, its monotheistic teachings were fundamentally foreign to the polytheistic traditions of the ancient world and a challenge to the imperial cult. Notwithstanding, the Church continued to grow rapidly until it was finally legalized and then promoted by Emperors Constantine I and Theodosius I in the 4th century as the State Church of the Roman Empire. The Church came to be a central and defining institution of the Empire, especially in the East or Byzantine Empire, where Constantinople came to be seen as the center of the Christian world, owing in great part to its economic and political power.

Once the Western Empire fell to Germanic incursions in the 5th century, the (Roman) Church was, for centuries, the primary link to Roman civilization for medieval Western Europe and an important channel of influence in the West for the Eastern Roman or Byzantine emperors. In the West, the Orthodox Church competed against the Arian Christian and pagan faiths of the Germanic rulers and spread outside what had been the Empire to Ireland, Germany, Scandinavia, and the Western Slavs. In the East, Christianity spread to the Slavs in the modern-day Russia, South-Central and Eastern Europe. The reign of Charlemagne in Western Europe is particularly noted for bringing the last major Western Arian tribes into communion with Rome, in part through conquest and forced conversion.

The Church survived the era of Islamic expansion by the Islamic Caliphate, and continues to play a major role in national and world development. As deducted from the history of the Church’s origin, it is clear that the Church possesses great economic and political influence, making it a key player and influence in the fight to curb the Covid-19 pandemic. (To be continued).

FUN TIMES

There are two sides to every coin. Life itself contains not only the good, but also the bad and the ugly. Let us now explore these.

“The way some men lie this days eh!… I am thinking it wasn’t Eve that gave Adam the apple… that poor gal was innocent” – Anonymous.

THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK

“Your body is the church where Nature asks to be reverenced. (Marquis de Sade).

Opinion

How Glo Network Became the Lifeline That Saved Two Lives: A True Story from Sallari

Published

9 hours ago

November 14, 2025

Eric

By Dr. Sani Sa’idu Baba

It was one of those calm, bright mornings in Sallari, a town in Tarauni Local Government Area of Kano State. I had gone to visit my longtime friend and colleague, Dr. Muhammad Umar Abdullahi, at his private facility, Rauda Clinic and Maternity. We were in his office discussing research, the usual challenges of medical practice, and other issues when the sound of hurried footsteps and anxious voices broke the calm. A young man rushed in, calling for the doctor.

Without hesitation, Dr. Muhammad sprang into action. I followed him instinctively. Within moments, two people burst through the gate, one man carrying a weak, heavily pregnant woman in his arms. Her breathing was shallow and wheezy, her face pale, and her body trembling between labor contractions and an asthma crisis. The scene was intense, we both knew that every second counted.

The team quickly moved her to the emergency bed. The Chief Medical Director Dr. Muhammad and his nurses worked swiftly to stabilize her breathing and monitor the baby. Oxygen was connected, IV lines were set, and within minutes, her breathing began to steady. The baby’s heartbeat was strong. After a short but tense period, she delivered a healthy baby girl. Relief filled the room like a gentle wind.

At that moment, I couldn’t help but admire the efficiency and dedication of Rauda Clinic and Maternity. The facility operated with the precision and compassion of a modern hospital. Every member of the team knew their role, every piece of equipment was in place, and the environment radiated calm professionalism. It reminded me that quality healthcare is not only about infrastructure, but about commitment and readiness when it truly matters. Rauda Clinic stood out that day as a quiet pillar of excellence and hope for patients and families alike.

The following day, I placed a call to Dr. Muhammad to ask about the condition of the woman who had been brought in the previous morning. He sounded cheerful and relieved. “Both mother and baby are fine now,” he said. Then, with deep reflection in his voice, he narrated the extraordinary story behind their survival, a story that showed how a single phone call, made at the right moment, became the bridge between life and death. As I listened to him recount the events, I couldn’t help but marvel at how sometimes, survival depends not only on medicine but also on connection.

Her name was Amina, a mother of three. That morning, she was alone at home, her husband was in Dutse, the capital of Jigawa state where he works, and her children had already gone to school. The first wave of pain came suddenly, followed by a tightening in her chest. Within minutes, she was gasping for air, her asthma worsening with every breath. She reached for her phone to call her husband, but the call wouldn’t go through. She tried again and again, each time, “Network error.”

Her strength was fading fast. She tried to reach her neighbors, but again, no connection. Alone, frightened, and struggling to breathe, she said she felt her end was near. Then, a thought crossed her mind, her maid had left her phone in the sitting room that morning. Gathering the last of her strength, Amina crawled toward the television stand where the phone lay.

When she reached it, she noticed the green SIM icon, it was a Glo line. Hope flickered. But when she tried to make a call, she saw there was no airtime. That could have been the end until she remembered Glo’s Borrow Me Credit service. With trembling fingers, she dialed the Glo borrow me code and she got the credit instantly, and that small credit became her lifeline.

Her first attempt to reach her husband failed. Then she dialed her younger brother, Umar. This time, the call went through immediately. Interestingly, Umar is a Glo user too. Without delay, Umar and his wife rushed to her house, found her collapsed on the floor, and carried her into their car.

On their way, Umar called ahead to alert the doctor, and again, the call went through clearly. By a remarkable coincidence, Dr. Muhammad was also using a Glo line. That seamless connection meant the hospital team was fully prepared by the time they arrived. Within minutes, Amina was stabilized, and both she and her baby were safe.

The next morning, Dr. Muhammad told me that Amina had smiled faintly and said to him, “Doctor, when every other network failed me, Glo answered. If that call hadn’t gone through, I wouldn’t be here today.”

Her words carried a truth that stayed with me. It wasn’t just a patient’s gratitude, it was a testimony about the power of reliable connection. At that moment, Glo wasn’t just a telecommunications network, it was the bridge between life and death, between despair and hope.

In today’s world, a simple phone call can determine whether someone lives or dies. That day reminded me that technology, when dependable, is not just about data speed, it’s about human connection at its most critical. Glo proved to be that connection: steady, available, and trustworthy when it mattered most.

Before she was discharged, she laughed and told the doctor she had already chosen a nickname for her baby “Amira Glo.” They both laughed, but deep down, Dr. Muhammad understood the meaning behind that name. It symbolized gratitude, faith, and survival.

As I ended the call with Dr. Muhammad that day, I felt a quiet pride. I had witnessed not just the miracle of life, but the harmony of medicine, compassion, and reliable technology. Through Rauda Clinic and Maternity, I saw what true service means, dedication without boundaries, and connection that saves.

Amina’s story isn’t an advert, but living proof that sometimes, when every other signal fades, Glo stands firm, and when every other facility seems far away, Rauda Clinic and Maternity remains a beacon of care and excellence.

For patients, families, and health workers alike, Glo is proven to be a network of necessity. It connects life to hope, when every second truly counts…

Dr. Sani Sa’idu Baba writes from Kano, and can be reached via drssbaba@yahoo.com

Opinion

Faith, Power, and the Art of Diplomacy: Nigeria Must Respond to Trump’s Threat with Strategy, Not Emotion

Published

6 days ago

November 9, 2025

Eric

By Joel Popoola

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu has never worn religion as a badge and never been defined by religious identity. Though a Muslim, married a Christian Pastor, he has long been known for his ability to balance Nigeria’s complex religious landscape. As former governor of Lagos State, he founded the Lagos State Annual Thanksgiving Service, a remarkable initiative that became one of the largest Christian gatherings in the Southwest Region. That gesture was not political theatre; it was an act of statesmanship that celebrated Nigeria’s diversity. He attended as a servant leader of all people, Christian, Muslim, and otherwise setting a tone of unity that our federation still needs today.

Today, that inclusive spirit, and legacy of tolerance faces, a renewed wave of external scrutiny, and a new kind of test- one not from within, but from abroad. The U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to designate Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged Christian persecution was more than a foreign policy statement. It was a calculated political signal. His subsequent threat to “use the military to defend Christians in Nigeria” crossed a dangerous line, suggesting that America could unilaterally intervene in our internal affairs based on a distorted interpretation of Nigeria’s religious dynamics.

A Complex Reality Misunderstood
There is no denying that Nigeria faces violent flashpoints where religion is entangled with ethnicity and poverty. But it is intellectually lazy and diplomatically reckless to label these crises as “Christian persecution.” Successive Nigerian governments, both Muslim- and Christian-led, have condemned extremism and taken act against those who inflame division. Trump’s posture, however, ignored the facts. It reframed Nigeria’s domestic challenges as a global crusade, inviting a moral panic that oversimplifies and endangers. The real tragedy is that such mischaracterizations can embolden extremists, fracture communities, and damage Nigeria’s reputation on the world stage.

Diplomacy Is Strength, Not Submission
As a corporate diplomacy expert, I have seen how scenario-based-strategy, not outrage determines outcomes. Whether in global business negotiations or international relations, power is not exercised only through might; it is asserted through credibility, alliances, and skilful communication. Nigeria must resist the temptation to respond defensively and instead deploy smart diplomacy to reframe the narrative. History offers compelling evidence of how diplomacy can avert even the gravest conflicts. During the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis, the world stood seconds away from nuclear war. Yet, through quiet negotiation between U.S. President John F. Kennedy and Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev, a peaceful resolution emerged: the Soviet Union withdrew missiles from Cuba, and the U.S. reciprocated by removing its own from Turkey. Dialogue, not force, saved the world.

Nigeria can apply the same principle today. The path forward lies in strategic engagement, leveraging bilateral relations, regional blocs like ECOWAS and the African Union, and international platforms to clarify its realities. Nigeria must lead the conversation, not react to it.

A Lesson from Leadership

When a Muslim governor created a Christian thanksgiving celebration, he embodied what diplomacy looks like at home: listening, inclusion, and respect. Nigeria’s leaders must now display those same qualities abroad. We cannot control how others view us, but we can control how we present ourselves. That is the essence of diplomacy, proactive communication grounded in national dignity. Trump’s rhetoric may have been provocative, but Nigeria’s best response is composure, not confrontation. Power is never just about weapons or wealth; it is about narrative, legitimacy, and alliances.

The Diplomat’s Way Forward

Nigeria stands at a defining moment. The challenge is not to prove that Christians are safe, Muslims are fair, or that America is wrong, it is to prove that Nigeria is capable of solving its own problems with balance and foresight. True diplomacy is not silence; it is strategic communication. It is the ability to turn political provocation into an opportunity for partnership. If Nigeria channels its response through professionalism, restraint, and intelligent diplomacy, it will not only protect its image, but it will also strengthen its global standing.

As someone who has studied and practiced the intersection of corporate influence and international relations, I know these same principles that sustain global brands, trust, transparency, and consistency, also sustain nations.

And in this moment, Nigeria must choose those principles, not fear, and not anger- to defend its sovereignty and its soul.

Joel Popoola, a Corporate Diplomacy Expert, and Managing Partner at Anchora Advisory, specialising in corporate diplomacy and internationalisation, writes from United Kingdom

Opinion

Beyond the Headlines: R2P, Sovereignty, and the Search for Peace in Nigeria

Published

7 days ago

November 8, 2025

Eric

By Tolulope A. Adegoke, PhD

“In the face of complex crises, true leadership is measured not by the clarity of one’s critique, but by the courage to enact responsible solutions that bridge the gap between sovereign duty and our global responsibility to protect” – Tolulope A. Adegoke, PhD

If you follow global news, you have likely encountered alarming headlines about Nigeria. Terms like “religious violence” and even “genocide” are often used to describe a complex and devastating crisis. But beyond the headlines lies a critical international dilemma: when a state struggles to protect its own people, what is the world’s responsibility?

This is not a new question. It lies at the heart of a global principle adopted after the horrors of Rwanda and Srebrenica (Town in Bosnia and Herzegovina): The Responsibility to Protect (R2P).

Let us break down what R2P means, why it is so relevant in Nigeria, and what proposed international responses—like those from the United States—reveal about the difficult pursuit of peace in a complicated world.

R2P in a Nutshell: A Three-Pillar Promise

Imagine R2P as a three-legged stool, with each leg representing a fundamental obligation:

Pillar I: The State’s Primary Duty. Every sovereign nation has the foremost responsibility to shield its populations from genocide, war crimes, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity.
Pillar II: International Assistance. The global community has a duty to assist states in building this protective capacity through aid, training, and diplomatic support.
Pillar III: The Decisive Response. If a state is “manifestly failing” to protect its people, the international community must respond decisively—first through peaceful means like sanctions and diplomacy, and only as an absolute last resort, with authorized military force.

The protracted crisis in Nigeria tests this very framework to its limits.

The Nigerian Labyrinth: It’s More Complex Than It Seems

Labeling the situation in Nigeria as a simple religious war is a profound misunderstanding. The reality is a tangled web of several overlapping conflicts:

Jihadist Insurgency: Groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP in the Northeast target both Muslims and Christians who oppose their rule. However, Christian communities have endured specific, brutal attacks on churches and schools, marking them for violence based on their faith.
Clashing Livelihoods: In the fertile Middle Belt, competition over dwindling land and water resources has ignited violent clashes between predominantly Muslim Fulani herders and Christian farmers. Climate change and desertification have intensified this struggle, layering economic desperation over religious and ethnic identities.
Criminal Banditry: Widespread kidnappings and violence in the Northwest, often driven by profit, exploit the fragile security situation, further destabilizing the region.

This intricate complexity is why the term “Christian genocide” is so hotly debated. While there is undeniable, systematic violence against Christians, the legal definition of genocide requires proof of a specific intent to destroy the group. Many analysts point to the confluence of political, economic, and criminal motives, arguing that the situation, while atrocious, may not meet this strict legal threshold.

The R2P Test: Is Nigeria “Manifestly Failing”?

A widespread perception holds that the Nigerian government is failing in its Pillar I responsibility. Despite possessing a powerful military, issues of corruption, a slow institutional response, and allegations of bias have left millions of citizens vulnerable.

This failure activates the world’s role under Pillar II. The United States, United Kingdom, and other partners have provided significant aid, military training, and intelligence sharing. Yet, it has not been enough. The persistent violence pushes the necessary conversation toward the more difficult Pillar III: the “Responsibility to Respond.”

The U.S. Proposition: A Case Study in Coercive Care

What does a “timely and decisive response” entail? Proposed U.S. actions offer a clear case study. Focusing on coercive measures short of force, they include:

Targeted Sanctions: Visa bans and asset freezes against specific Nigerian officials accused of corruption or atrocities.
Diplomatic Pressure: Officially designating Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern” for religious freedom.
Conditioned Aid: Linking further military assistance to verifiable improvements in human rights and accountability.

The Pros and Cons: A Balanced View

The Upside: These actions send a powerful message of solidarity to victims, potentially deter perpetrators, and uphold the global norm that national sovereignty entails a responsibility to protect, not a license for atrocity.
The Downside: These measures are fiercely rejected by the Nigerian government and many within the country as a violation of sovereignty. There is a risk that cutting military aid could weaken the fight against Boko Haram and ISWAP, and a narrow focus on the religious dimension could oversimplify the conflict’s root causes, potentially inflaming tensions further.

Key Takeaways for a Global Audience

This situation is not merely a problem for politicians; it offers critical lessons for all of us:

For Global Citizens: Seek nuanced understanding. Effective advocacy requires moving beyond simplistic labels to grasp the underlying root causes—such as climate change, governance failures, and economic despair—that fuel the violence.
For Businesses Operating Abroad: You have a vital role to play. Conduct human rights due diligence and use your economic influence to support stability, conflict resolution, and ethical practices within your operations and supply chains.
For the International Community: This case exposes R2P’s greatest weakness: its reliance on a UN Security Council often paralyzed by geopolitics. The future demands more robust and empowered regional leadership from bodies like the African Union.

Conclusion: An Unfinished Conversation for Lasting Peace

The crisis in Nigeria and the proposed international responses are not about easy answers. They represent the difficult, ongoing work of making the promise of “Never Again” a tangible reality.

R2P remains an unfulfilled ideal, caught between the urgent need to protect human life and the complex realities of national sovereignty. The conversation it forces is itself a constructive step forward. It challenges Nigeria to reclaim its primary duty to protect all its citizens, challenges the world to move beyond rhetoric to meaningful action, and challenges us all to remember that our common humanity is the most important border we share. The demand for peace, both within Nigeria and beyond, requires nothing less than our collective and unwavering commitment.

Dr. Tolulope A. Adegoke, AMBP-UN is a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in History and International Studies, Fellow Certified Management Consultant & Specialist, Fellow Certified Human Resource Management Professional, a Recipient of the Nigerian Role Models Award (2024), and a Distinguished Ambassador For World Peace (AMBP-UN). He has also gained inclusion in the prestigious compendium, “Nigeria @65: Leaders of Distinction”.