Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has challenged the Church in Nigeria to take a more active role in confronting poverty, insecurity and moral decline, urging Christians to embrace what he described as “militant” faith.

Obasanjo made the call last Sunday while speaking at the recently concluded weeklong Golden Jubilee celebration of the Annual LAWNA International Convention of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, held at the National Temple, Olorunda-Ketu, Lagos.

Clarifying his use of the word “militant,” the former military officer said he was not advocating violence but a faith characterised by commitment, passion and active service to God and society.

“Being an ex-military man, I understand what being militant means. It means to be zealous and active in service,” he said.

Obasanjo questioned the impact of Nigeria’s large Christian population against the backdrop of persistent insecurity, poverty and social challenges.

“Do we have peace, security, prosperity and love, yet we have churches?” he asked.

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He urged Christians to rise to their responsibility of transforming society through peace, love, righteousness and active engagement, stressing that the country would have been in a better position if the Church had been more committed to its divine mandate.

“If we have a militant Church on earth and in Nigeria, it would have been a different situation for us in this country,” he said.

According to the former president, Nigeria can become “a land flowing with milk and honey” if the Church and its members actively confront the challenges facing the nation.

“Children of God, we have a task ahead of us. We have challenges, and Christ expects us to fulfil our responsibilities and confront those challenges. God will empower us to carry out our duties,” he said.

Obasanjo also congratulated The Apostolic Church Nigeria on the 50th anniversary of the LAWNA convention.

The 2026 LAWNA Territory International Convention, themed “Church Militant on Earth” and anchored on 1 Timothy 6:12, began on August 1 and ends on August 7 at the LAWNA International Convention Grounds, Olorunda-Ketu, Lagos.