Oluremi Tinubu has urged Christian leaders to practise the teachings of Jesus Christ in their daily lives, stressing that the Church must promote unity, strengthen families, mentor young people and contribute to Nigeria’s national development.
The First Lady made the call on Wednesday, October 28, while addressing the Lausanne Nigeria Congress 2026 in Abuja. She challenged Christian leaders to ensure that the gospel they preach is reflected in their conduct, relationships and contributions to their communities.
Her message placed practical Christian living at the centre of the Church’s responsibilities, with particular emphasis on peaceful coexistence, compassion and the need to translate religious teachings into meaningful social action.
Oluremi Tinubu Calls for Practical Christian Living
Speaking at the gathering, Oluremi Tinubu said the Church had an important responsibility to help build communities where people treat one another with dignity.
“The Church in Nigeria has a vital responsibility to nurture hope and compassion, strengthen families, mentor our young people, encourage peaceful coexistence and help build communities where every person is treated with dignity,” she said.
Her remarks challenged Christian leaders to look beyond sermons and religious gatherings by demonstrating the values they teach through their everyday decisions and interactions.
The First Lady also drew attention to the theme of the congress, Let the Church Declare and Display Christ Together, which emphasises both proclaiming the Christian message and demonstrating its principles through personal conduct.
Explaining the distinction, she said: “The Gospel we proclaim must shape the life we live and influence the lives of others.”
Oluremi added that displaying Christ meant allowing his character to be seen in the way believers lived. She cited Matthew 5:16, a biblical passage that encourages believers to let their light shine through their good works.
Her message called on church leaders and members to make Christian values visible beyond their places of worship.
Church Unity and Stronger Families
Unity was another central theme of the First Lady’s address. She urged the Church to contribute to peaceful coexistence and build stronger relationships within families and communities.
Her appeal comes as Christian organisations continue to emphasise cooperation across denominational boundaries and the importance of working towards shared goals.
At the congress, National Chairman of Lausanne Nigeria Christian Missions, Rev. Yunusa Sabo Nmadu, also stressed the need for unity among Christians.
Nmadu said the Church had a responsibility not only to pray for Nigeria but also to lead by example through love, unity and practical action.
He called on Christians to move beyond denominational, tribal and ethnic divisions, arguing that their shared faith should encourage greater cooperation.
Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, the Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), similarly called for unity of purpose among Christian groups.
These appeals placed cooperation within the Church alongside Tinubu’s broader message about the need for believers to demonstrate the values they profess.
Why the First Lady Emphasised Youth Mentorship
Tinubu specifically identified mentoring young people as part of the Church’s responsibility.
Her appeal highlighted the role religious institutions can play in shaping the values of younger generations through guidance, compassion and positive examples.
Beyond religious instruction, mentoring can help young people develop a sense of responsibility towards their families and communities. The First Lady’s remarks presented this responsibility as part of the Church’s wider contribution to society.
She also urged delegates to turn the congress’s discussions into concrete commitments that could be implemented in congregations and communities across Nigeria.
“Let us leave here with renewed conviction to declare Christ faithfully, display His love consistently and fulfil our calling together,” she said.
The statement reinforced her central argument: Christian teachings should influence not only what believers say but also how they treat others and respond to the needs around them.
Lausanne Nigeria Congress Brings Church Leaders Together
The Lausanne Nigeria Congress 2026 is a three-day gathering taking place in Abuja from October 27 to 30. It brings together church leaders, missionaries, marketplace professionals, youth leaders and Christian organisations from across Nigeria.
The gathering is designed to strengthen unity, deepen theological understanding and encourage collaboration in Christian mission.
According to the congress organisers, the event was planned to bring together approximately 5,000 participants, making it a significant national gathering for Christian leaders and organisations.
Mrs Tinubu urged delegates to ensure that the discussions produced practical results rather than ending with speeches and resolutions.
Her address placed responsibility on both individual believers and the wider Church to demonstrate Christian values through their conduct, support for families, engagement with young people and commitment to peaceful communities.
The broader message was clear: the influence of the Church should be evident in the lives it touches and the communities it helps build.
For Mrs Tinubu, declaring the gospel and living by its teachings must go hand in hand.
