Tabieorar, the annual prayer festival of The Church of the Lord (Worldwide) was concluded on August 22, 2026, at the Holy Mount of Tabieorar in Ogere Remo, Ogun State with thousands of pilgrims for the all-night worship, the traditional 13 blessings, and national intercession.
The 2026 edition which was the 90th convention hosted hundreds of people from all walks of life, who gathered to seek the face of God and intercede for the nation and the world at large, at the Holy Mount of Tabieorar, at the church headquarters in Ogere Remo, Ogun State.
The all-night programme centered on the theme “Faithful & Glorious God,” kindled Christians, Nigerians, and people to keep their faith alive and be steadfast in the Lord despite immense adversity of life and challenges in the country.
Speaking at the gathering which brought together worshippers, dignitaries and members of the community for prayers, thanksgiving and spiritual reflection, Most Rev. Rufus Okikiola Ositelu, Primate of the Church of the Lord (Aladura) and Secretary of the World Council of Churches stated that “as The Church of the Lord Worldwide joyfully celebrates the 90th Tabieorar Festival, we give all glory to our Faithful and Glorious God for His sustaining grace upon the Church, our nation, Nigeria, and the entire world.
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The 90th Tabieorar Festival, he pointed out, was not merely a celebration of the past, “It is also an opportunity to reflect on the present and look forward to the future with renewed faith, responsibility and hope.
“As a Church committed to righteousness, peace, justice, compassion and national development, we consider it our sacred responsibility to pray for those in authority, commend what is commendable, encourage what requires improvement, and respectfully draw government’s attention to areas requiring urgent intervention.”
Ositelu, who pinpointed that the Federal Government should further intensify efforts to tackle insecurity, high cost of living, corruption and challenges in the justice system, called for improved intelligence gathering and stronger coordination among security agencies in confronting terrorism, kidnapping, banditry and organised crime.
According to him, there is greater need for the protection of schools, farms, markets, highways, communities, places of worship and critical national infrastructure, adding that protection of life and property must remain the first responsibility of government.
The Primate added that perpetrators of crimes must be properly prosecuted, while affected communities should receive the necessary support to return to normal and productive lives.
Raising concerns over inflation and cost of living, he advised the government to increase domestic food production and provide farmers with affordable inputs and financing.
While urging government to pay attention to vulnerable households, pensioners and fixed-income earners and ensure that wages and incomes reflect prevailing economic realities, he advocated improved rural roads, transportation and storage facilities to reduce the cost of moving food and other essential goods across the country.
The festival which featured special prayers led by senior clerics of the Church of the Lord (Aladura), with supplications for national unity, peaceful governance, economic recovery and divine intervention in the affairs of the nation, Ositelu noted that that economic reforms should ultimately improve the living conditions and purchasing power of ordinary Nigerians.
Saying that justice must be fair and accessible, he called for reforms that would make Nigeria’s justice system faster, fairer and more accessible.
“Authorities must therefore, address delays in court proceedings, improve judicial funding and infrastructure, expand legal assistance for vulnerable Nigerians and hold law-enforcement personnel accountable for abuses of power stressing that every Nigerian, regardless of status, must receive equal treatment before the law.”
On corruption, he demanded stronger and more independent anti-corruption institutions, noting that the law must be applied fairly without political interference.
“There should be greater transparency in government procurement, contracts and expenditure, alongside effective auditing, monitoring and digital systems capable of reducing financial leakages. There must also be proper accountability for recovered public funds and assets and protection for citizens and whistle-blowers who expose corrupt practices,” he said.
He pointed out that public resources are a sacred trust and must be honestly and efficiently used for the benefit of Nigerians.
Stressing that the church acknowledged efforts by the Federal Government in infrastructure development, educational support, economic and fiscal reforms, local government administration, agriculture and food security, he urged the government to sustain these initiatives while placing greater emphasis on transparency, accountability, quality implementation, value for money and measurable results.
“The Church also recognised interventions in electricity supply, healthcare, social welfare, youth employment, entrepreneurship and education, but Nigerians must feel their impact more directly, electricity reforms should translate into reliable power supply, welfare programmes should reach genuinely vulnerable citizens, healthcare should become more accessible and affordable, while youth empowerment initiatives should produce sustainable jobs and businesses.
“So, Nigeria belongs to all of us, government must govern responsibly, and citizens must act responsibly.
He however, stated that Nigerians should fulfil their lawful civic obligations, embrace honesty, diligence and hard work, and continually pray for the country’s leaders, peace and prosperity.
“Building a better country is not the responsibility of government alone. Nigerians should remain peaceful and law-abiding and reject violence, criminality, ethnic hatred and religious intolerance. Stop spreading false information and inflammatory messages capable of creating division,” he said.
He therefore, urged parents and other adults to teach younger generations the values of honesty, discipline, patriotism, mutual respect and love.
In his good will message Rev. Jerry Pillay, General Secretary World Council of Churches while congratulating the leadership, clergy, members, and friends of the Church of the Lord (Aladura) on the joyful occasion of your 90th Tabiẹorar., he said “this important milestone provides an opportunity to give thanks to Almighty God for His abundant grace, faithfulness, and guidance throughout the remarkable journey of your church.
“As you gather in worship and celebration, we join you in praising God for ninety years of faithful witness, prayerful ministry, evangelism, healing, and service. The Church of the Lord has made a profound contribution to the spiritual life of Nigeria and to Christian communities around the world. Through its unique heritage and deep commitment to the Gospel, the church has nurtured generations of believers and inspired many to live lives of faith, holiness, and service.
“We express our gratitude for the vital role the Church of the Lord continues to play in Nigeria. In a nation facing significant social, economic, and security challenges, your ministry has been a source of hope, moral guidance, reconciliation, and compassionate care. Your commitment to prayer, community development, peacebuilding, and the promotion of human dignity stand as a powerful witness to the transformative love of Christ in society.
“We are equally grateful for the global reach and influence of the Church of the Lord. Through its presence in many countries and its engagement in the wider ecumenical movement, the church contributes significantly to the worldwide mission of God and enriches the fellowship of Christians across continents.
“In this special occasion, I wish to offer particular appreciation for the leadership of His Eminence Most Rev. Dr Rufus Okikiola Ositelu, Primate of the Church of the Lord (Aladura). Under his visionary and dedicated leadership, the church has continued to grow in its commitment to spiritual renewal, mission, education, social engagement, and Christian unity. His faithful service has strengthened the witness of the church both nationally and internationally.
“We are especially thankful for his contribution to the global ecumenical movement through his service as a President of the World Council of Churches for the Africa Region. In this important role, Most Rev. Dr Ositelu has faithfully represented the voices, concerns, and aspirations of African churches within the worldwide fellowship of churches. His commitment to justice, peace, reconciliation, intergenerational engagement, and Christian unity has enriched the work of the WCC and strengthened the bonds of fellowship among churches across the globe. His leadership embodies the vision of an ecumenical movement that seeks to walk together in faith, hope, and love. And, for this we give thanks.
“As you celebrate this 90th Tabiẹorar, we remember with gratitude the founders, visionary leaders, clergy, and faithful members whose sacrifices and devotion laid the foundations upon which the Church of the Lord continues to flourish today. Their legacy remains a testimony to God’s sustaining grace through generations.
“Looking to the future, we pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to guide and empower the Church of the Lord in its mission. May God grant wisdom to your leaders, strength to your clergy, inspiration to your youth, and renewed commitment to all members as you continue to proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ and serve God’s people.”
Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State and Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District in his address at the convention stated that the challenges facing the country required not only sound policies and responsible leadership but also sustained spiritual support from the church.
While calling on the Church to maintain an unwavering prayer for the nation and its leaders, urged for divine intervention in the affairs of Nigeria and asked God to grant President Ahmed Tinubu wisdom, sound judgment, divine direction and protection in the discharge of his responsibilities.
Daniel emphasised the importance of national unity, responsible leadership and peaceful democratic participation as Nigeria prepares for the 2027 general elections, urged the Church to make Nigeria a central subject of its intercession, particularly as the nation faces socioeconomic challenges and approaches another crucial electoral season.
The former governor said: “As we celebrate today, something very important must be on our minds and on our lips; our voice in prayer for our beloved nation, Nigeria, adding that prayers and guidance of religious institutions would contribute to peaceful, transparent and credible electoral processes in 2027.”
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