By Peter Dibia
The International Friendship League, Owerri, Imo State, has called for spiritual transformation, righteous living, responsible citizenship and active participation in national affairs as essential ingredients for the transformation of Nigeria.
The call was made during a special programme organised by the International Friendship League to commemorate Nigeria's 66th Independence Anniversary, with the theme, "A Call to Citizenship Transformation, Unstoppable Freedom."
The programme, held on Thursday, October 1, 2026, at Primetime Colosseum, beside Imo State Court of Appeal, along PH Road, Owerri, brought together professionals, entrepreneurs, clergy, business people and other members of the society to reflect on Nigeria's journey, citizenship, financial freedom, spiritual development and the responsibilities of individuals towards nation building.
The programme featured a series of thought provoking presentations and discussions centred on spiritual transformation, responsible citizenship, financial freedom, personal development and national transformation.
The programme was skilfully moderated by Pastor James Ngoka, a former Permanent Secretary in the Imo State Government House, alongside Pastor Barrister Chidi Akalugau, a Magistrate in Imo State. Their moderation provided a coordinated flow of activities and ensured that the various speakers and presentations were properly accommodated throughout the programme.
Speaking as Chairman of the occasion, Was the Vice Chancellor of Abia State University, Professor Ndukwe J. Okeudo, stressed the need for spiritual transformation and the cultivation of a culture of righteousness among Nigerians.
Professor Okeudo observed that Nigeria is a country blessed with abundant natural resources and other potentials, but expressed concern that despite these blessings, the country is still behind in some areas of infrastructure and development.
According to him, what Nigeria needs is righteousness, noting that the transformation being advocated cannot be achieved by government alone, but must begin with individuals.
He informed the gathering that spiritual transformation and righteous living must start with everyone, urging Nigerians to examine their individual contributions towards the development and progress of the country.
He emphasised that a nation cannot experience meaningful transformation when its citizens fail to embrace values that promote honesty, responsibility, justice and service to others.
Also speaking, Pastor James Ngoka, who spoke on the topic, "Transformed Citizens, Transformed Nation," charged Christians to take an active interest in the affairs of their country.
Pastor Ngoka encouraged Christians to exercise their civic responsibilities, including voting during elections, stressing the need for citizens to be involved in governmental affairs and contribute meaningfully to the development of the nation.
He noted that citizens who desire positive changes in the country should not remain passive but must participate in the processes through which leaders are elected and public policies are made.
He therefore urged Christians and other citizens to take their responsibilities seriously and use their positions, professions and influence to contribute to the transformation of Nigeria.
The programme also featured a session on financial freedom, where Mrs Cynthia Nneji, a Branch Manager with Ecobank, shared practical principles on responsible financial management and wealth creation.
Mrs Nneji encouraged participants to earn wisely and develop steady streams of income, noting that a consistent source of income, combined with financial discipline, could help individuals build wealth and secure their future.
She advised participants to save consistently and regard savings as a form of "paying yourself", while also encouraging them to spend responsibly.
Making reference to Proverbs 20:21, she emphasised the importance of financial discipline and urged participants to distinguish between their needs and wants before making financial decisions.
She further advised people to borrow for productive purposes that could help grow their wealth rather than borrowing simply to impress others.
According to her, strategic investment remains an important means of growing wealth, while generous giving should also form part of responsible financial living.
Mrs Nneji identified five important principles that individuals could adopt to secure their future and that of their children, stressing the importance of earning wisely, saving consistently, spending responsibly, borrowing wisely and investing strategically.
Also speaking on financial freedom, Engr. Theophelus Obidike, an entrepreneur, emphasised the importance of developing the right attitude towards money and financial opportunities.
He stated that God remains the source of financial freedom and advised participants to seek divine direction, particularly when making investment decisions.
Engr. Obidike encouraged participants to develop the desire to make money while maintaining the right values and principles.
He noted that negative attitudes towards money could prevent people from recognising legitimate opportunities and taking appropriate steps towards financial independence.
He therefore advised participants to listen to God, acquire the necessary knowledge and exercise wisdom when making financial decisions, particularly in the area of investments.
The spiritual climax of the programme came with the message delivered by Pastor Emmanuel Okoro, State Overseer of Deeper Life Bible Ministry, Owerri South, who spoke on the topic, "The Making of a Better Person for a Better Nation."
Pastor Okoro began his message by stressing the relationship between yearning, learning and earning, encouraging participants to develop a strong desire for positive change, acquire knowledge and translate knowledge into productive results.
Drawing lessons from 1 Samuel 17 and Philippians 4:19, he made references to Saul, Goliath and David in explaining different attitudes and characteristics that can influence individuals and society.
According to him, Goliath represented characteristics such as greed, oppression, lawlessness, intimidation, threats and unhealthy domination, while David represented courage, virtue, intelligence, decisiveness and the determination to confront challenges.
He identified several qualities that contributed to David's ability to confront Goliath and emerge victorious.
Pastor Okoro noted that David was unstoppable by family anger, unbreakable by false accusations and unconquerable by structural challenges.
He also emphasised David's ability to remember and confess what God had done for him in the past, his confidence in God, the courage to confront discouragement and his determination to become a conqueror in his generation.
The cleric challenged Nigerians to develop the courage and determination necessary to confront the challenges facing the nation rather than surrendering to fear and discouragement.
He also warned participants about what he described as the "grasshopper spirit," which, according to him, can make individuals see themselves as incapable of achieving anything meaningful for themselves, their families and their nation.
He urged Nigerians to overcome such a mindset and develop confidence, courage, determination and faith in their ability to contribute positively to national development.
Pastor Okoro declared that Nigeria cannot remain in the hands of those destroying it forever, calling on citizens to take responsibility for the future of the nation.
He urged participants to become better individuals, stressing that a better nation can only emerge when individuals are transformed and committed to positive values.
The programme provided an avenue for participants to combine discussions on spirituality, citizenship, financial responsibility and personal development while reflecting on Nigeria's 66 years of independence.
The organisers maintained that the essence of the gathering was not only to celebrate the country's independence but also to encourage citizens to play meaningful roles in transforming their families, communities and the nation.
The International Friendship League, which is a non denominational fellowship of highly placed persons in the private and public sectors, provides a platform for networking, interaction, spiritual growth and the sharing of ideas aimed at promoting family, business, professional and ministerial success.
The League's activities are also designed to help members maintain a healthy balance between the spiritual and material aspects of life, while encoura
ging them to apply godly principles to their professional, business and personal affairs.
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