11/08/2026
WESLEYRTVC NEWS REPORTS
METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA 50TH/15TH BIENNIAL CONFERENCE
1. METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA REAFFIRMS GODâS ASSURANCE IN TROUBLED TIMES
IBADAN â The Methodist Church Nigeria has reaffirmed its confidence in the enduring promise of God to defend and deliver His people, declaring that Nigerians must not surrender to fear or despair despite the challenges confronting the nation.
The declaration formed part of the communiquĂ© issued at the end of the 50th/15th Biennial Conference of Methodist Church Nigeria, held in the Archdiocese of Ibadan from Sunday, 2nd to Sunday, 9th August 2026, under the theme, âI Will Fight for Youâ (Exodus 14:14).
Conference reaffirmed the biblical assurance that God remains the Defender and Deliverer of His people, urging Nigerians to remain steadfast in faith, uphold righteousness, pursue justice and work collectively for the peace and progress of the nation.
The Church said the theme of the Conference speaks directly to the realities of the present time, stressing that the promise of God remains sure even in the midst of national difficulties.
Conference therefore called on Nigerians to trust in God while remaining committed to righteousness, justice and responsible citizenship.
2. METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA RAISES CONCERN OVER ECONOMIC HARDSHIP, CALLS FOR ACCOUNTABLE LEADERSHIP
IBADAN â The Methodist Church Nigeria has expressed deep concern over the worsening economic hardship, hunger, insecurity, unemployment and declining living standards confronting millions of Nigerians.
The Church made its position known in the communiqué issued at the conclusion of its 50th/15th Biennial Conference in the Archdiocese of Ibadan.
While acknowledging reform efforts by government in key sectors, Conference identified corruption, impunity and the mismanagement of public resources as major impediments to national development.
It observed that despite increased revenues accruing to the Federal Government and higher allocations to states and local governments, the expected improvement in the welfare of citizens remains largely elusive.
Conference also expressed concern that substantial constituency project appropriations have often failed to translate into visible grassroots development.
It consequently called for transparent, accountable and people-centred leadership capable of confronting corruption decisively, protecting public resources, promoting investment, food security and job creation.
The Church further urged that the benefits of economic reforms should reach ordinary Nigerians, particularly the poor and vulnerable.
3. METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA SUPPORTS STATE POLICE, CONDEMNS PERSISTENT INSECURITY
IBADAN â The Methodist Church Nigeria has reiterated its support for the establishment of State Police as part of comprehensive security reforms aimed at strengthening grassroots security, intelligence gathering and rapid response to emerging threats.
The position was contained in the communiqué issued at the end of the 50th/15th Biennial Conference of the Church in Ibadan.
Conference expressed deep concern over persistent insecurity across Nigeria, particularly recurring killings and violent attacks in Benue and Plateau States, as well as terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, communal conflicts and other forms of violent criminality.
The Church, however, commended the successful rescue of pupils and teachers abducted in Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State, as well as other abductees rescued from Ogun, Kwara and Niger States.
Conference applauded the Federal Government, the respective State Governments and the nationâs security agencies for the successful rescue operations.
The Church also honoured the memory of Nigerians who have lost their lives to insecurity and prayed for the repose of their souls, while seeking the comfort, peace and grace of Christ for those bereaved, maimed, displaced or otherwise affected.
Conference pledged its support for efforts to end insecurity through prayers, material support and moral instruction, while supporting governmentâs resolution not to pay ransom to kidnappers.
4. METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA CONDEMNS XENOPHOBIC ATTACKS IN SOUTH AFRICA
IBADAN â The Methodist Church Nigeria has strongly condemned recent xenophobic attacks and anti-immigrant protests in South Africa, describing them as a grave affront to human dignity, African solidarity and peaceful coexistence.
The Church expressed its position in the communiqué released at the conclusion of its 50th/15th Biennial Conference held in the Archdiocese of Ibadan.
Conference commended the Federal Government of Nigeria for the evacuation of affected Nigerians.
It urged the Governments of Nigeria and South Africa to intensify diplomatic engagement to safeguard lives, uphold justice and strengthen the bonds of friendship between both nations.
The Church stressed the importance of protecting the dignity and lives of Nigerians wherever they may be, while promoting peaceful coexistence among African peoples.
5. METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA CONDEMNS SEXUAL AND GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE, CHILD ABUSE
IBADAN â The Methodist Church Nigeria has reaffirmed the sanctity of human life and condemned sexual and gender-based violence, child abuse, human trafficking and all forms of exploitation of vulnerable persons.
The Church stated this in its communiqué at the end of the 50th/15th Biennial Conference in Ibadan.
Conference also commended healthcare professionals across the country for their sacrifice and welcomed the temporary truce between the Federal Government and the National Association of Resident Doctors.
The Church urged both parties to sustain dialogue and promptly implement agreed measures to ensure uninterrupted healthcare services.
Conference further called for continued investment in Nigeriaâs health sector, stressing the importance of protecting human dignity and ensuring the welfare of citizens.
6. METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA CALLS FOR CREDIBLE ELECTIONS, GOOD GOVERNANCE
IBADAN â The Methodist Church Nigeria has called on all political actors to uphold the rule of law and ensure peaceful, free, fair and credible elections in Nigeria.
The call was made in the communiqué issued at the end of the 50th/15th Biennial Conference held in the Archdiocese of Ibadan.
Conference welcomed the Federal Governmentâs reaffirmation of its commitment to democratic governance and respect for the independence of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC.
The Church also welcomed the governmentâs assurance that it neither seeks nor supports a one-party state.
Conference urged those entrusted with public office to exercise their responsibilities with integrity, humility, justice, accountability and compassion.
It stressed the need for political leadership that places the interest of the Nigerian people above personal and partisan considerations.
7. METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA URGES STRONGER CHURCHâGOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIP
IBADAN â The Methodist Church Nigeria has called for sustained engagement between government and faith-based organisations in the pursuit of national renewal.
Conference noted the Federal Governmentâs commitment to deepen engagement with faith-based organisations and encouraged sustained consultation with the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, the Christian Council of Nigeria, CCN, and other faith communities.
According to the Church, the ministries of faith-based organisations in education, healthcare, humanitarian service, peacebuilding and moral formation remain indispensable to national development.
Conference urged that engagements between government and faith communities should result in tangible improvements in governance, security, economic recovery and the welfare of Nigerians.
The Church maintained that constructive collaboration among government, religious organisations and other stakeholders remains essential to building a peaceful, just and prosperous nation.
8. METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA CONGRATULATES OYINKANSOLA BADEJO-OKUSANYA ON NBA PRESIDENCY
IBADAN â The Methodist Church Nigeria has congratulated Mrs. Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, SAN, on her election as the incoming President of the Nigerian Bar Association.
Conference described Mrs. Badejo-Okusanya as a committed Methodist and prayed that Almighty God would grant her wisdom, strength and grace in the discharge of her national responsibility.
The congratulatory message was contained in the communiqué issued at the end of the 50th/15th Biennial Conference of Methodist Church Nigeria in Ibadan.
The Church expressed confidence in her ability to serve with wisdom and strength as she assumes the national responsibility.
9. METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA COMMENDS OYO STATE GOVERNMENT FOR SUCCESSFUL CONFERENCE HOSTING
IBADAN â The Methodist Church Nigeria has expressed profound appreciation to the Government and people of Oyo State for their warm hospitality and invaluable support towards the successful hosting of the 50th/15th Biennial Conference of the Church.
The Conference particularly commended the State Government and security agencies for providing a peaceful, safe and secure environment throughout the Conference.
The Church prayed that Almighty God would continue to bless Oyo State with enduring peace, progress and prosperity.
The appreciation formed part of the communiqué issued at the conclusion of the Conference, which was held in the Archdiocese of Ibadan from Sunday, 2nd to Sunday, 9th August 2026.
10. METHODIST CHURCH NIGERIA: âTHE LORD SHALL FIGHT FOR OUR BELOVED NATIONâ
IBADAN â The Methodist Church Nigeria has called on Nigerians to reject fear, hopelessness and division and trust in the unfailing promises of God.
The call came as the 50th/15th Biennial Conference of the Church concluded its deliberations in the Archdiocese of Ibadan.
Conference urged those entrusted with leadership to govern with justice, accountability, compassion and the fear of God, while encouraging citizens to uphold righteousness, patriotism and peaceful coexistence.
The Church reaffirmed its commitment to prayer, moral leadership and constructive engagement with government and other stakeholders for the peace, unity and prosperity of Nigeria.
With confidence in the Word of God, Conference declared:
âThe Lord shall fight for our beloved nation, Nigeria, and we shall hold our peace.â
The declaration is drawn from Exodus 14:14, the biblical text underpinning the Conference theme, âI Will Fight for You.â
The communiqué was issued on 9th August 2026 and signed by the Secretary of Conference, Rt. Rev. Dr. Babatunde A. Taiwo; Conference Lay President, Sir (Ide) Ifeanyi N. Okechukwu, KJW; and the Prelate, His Eminence, Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, JP.
