As Nigeria marks its 65th independence anniversary, the National President of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN), Bishop Wale Oke, has called on citizens to embrace unity as the foundation for national progress.
Speaking on Sunday at a special church service themed “The Power of Unity in Building a Great Nation” (Psalm 133), Bishop Oke stressed that Nigeria has the potential to become a global force if its leaders and citizens work together in harmony.
“We can have a nation without insecurity, where peace and unity reign. We can become the United States of Nigeria, a great force, a global force,” he declared.
He cautioned against tribalism, religion, and regional sentiments, which he said have long hindered the nation’s growth. “We will make rapid progress not based on tribe, not based on section or region, but based on the fact that we are brethren,” Oke noted.
Drawing from Genesis 11:1–9 and Philippians 2:1–2, he reminded Nigerians that a united people can achieve the impossible. He emphasized love as the true bond that conquers division, urging fairness, justice, and brotherhood across all divides.
What you should know
Bishop Wale Oke is a respected Christian leader and National President of the PFN. His independence message highlights unity as Nigeria’s strongest tool for overcoming insecurity and divisions, and for realizing her potential as a global force.
