RCCG Men Tell Tinubu To Prioritise Business Growth Over Government Jobs

Men of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) have appealed to President Bola Tinubu-led federal government to create an enabling environment that will allow businesses to thrive, saying economic empowerment rather than dependence on government jobs remains the key to addressing hardship in the country.

The appeal was made on Saturday by the Assistant Continental Overseer of RCCG and Pastor-in-Charge of Region 10, Pastor Jide Akiode, while speaking with journalists during the 2026 Redeemers Men’s Fellowship Convention, themed “The Complete Man,” held at the RCCG Master’s Place, Region 10 Headquarters, Abuja.

Akiode said while the government has a responsibility to create a conducive business climate, it cannot provide employment for every Nigerian, stressing that citizens must also develop entrepreneurial skills and make productive use of available opportunities.

“Government cannot provide all the jobs. Government cannot do everything. What government needs to do is provide an enabling environment for everybody to thrive,” he said.

According to him, the church is equipping men with practical knowledge to become financially independent rather than relying solely on handouts.

“The church is concerned about the man who cannot take care of his family. Giving people fish does not solve the problem. Every man has to be taught how to catch fish. We are teaching people that whatever little they have can be turned into something meaningful,” he stated.

Drawing from the biblical story of the widow whose small bottle of oil transformed her fortunes, Akiode said many Nigerians overlook opportunities around them because they are expecting big breakthroughs.

“It’s not that opportunities do not exist; many people simply do not see them. You can start small and still succeed. If life gives you lemons, make lemonade,” he said.

While acknowledging the economic hardship and security challenges facing the country, Akiode urged Nigerians not to lose hope or abandon the nation.

“There are still opportunities in Nigeria. Running away from your country does not necessarily solve your problems. I have always believed Nigeria can become a superpower, but every Nigerian must also believe in the country and contribute positively,” he added.

He called on Nigerians to avoid spreading negativity and instead focus on creating value within their communities, while urging the government to be more responsive to citizens’ needs.

Speaking on the convention’s theme, Pastor Paul Adebisi, Redeemed Men’s Fellowship Regional Coordinator and Pastor-in-Charge of FCT Province 13, described a “complete man” as one who is responsible at home, committed to God’s work in the church, and promotes peace, justice and righteousness in society.

He said true completeness can only be attained through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

“A complete man is approved before God and man. Such a man loves his family, serves the church faithfully and contributes positively to society. Without Christ, it is impossible to achieve that completeness,” he said.

Also speaking, Pastor Michael Oluwole, President of the Redeemed Men’s Fellowship, Region 10 and Pastor-in-Charge of Zone, said the fellowship is built on four pillars, faith, family, finance and fitness, designed to produce responsible and productive men.

He explained that the financial empowerment component equips members with multiple streams of income and entrepreneurial skills to improve their economic well-being.

“If individuals become economically empowered, government will have less burden because people will be able to take care of themselves and their families. That is why we emphasise continuous training and retraining across all levels of the fellowship,” Oyewole said.

He also disclosed that the RCCG has established structures across its parishes, areas, zones, provinces and regions to mobilise eligible members for voter registration ahead of future elections.

On the political situation ahead of the 2027 general elections, Pastor Dan Ogun, Assistant Pastor-in-Charge of Region 10 (CRS) and Pastor-in-Charge of Province 12, expressed confidence that despite recent conflicting court judgments relating to the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the judiciary would resolve the issues.

He noted that the Chief Justice of Nigeria and the National Judicial Council had continued to discourage conflicting judgments from courts of coordinate jurisdiction, expressing optimism that the electoral process would proceed successfully.

The convention focused on raising godly, responsible and economically empowered men capable of strengthening their families, supporting the church and contributing meaningfully to national development.