Bishop Israel Akinadewo, President of the Organisation of African Instituted Churches (OAIC), Nigeria Region and Prelate of Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, delivered a New Year message at MCCSW International Headquarters on the Lekki-Epe Expressway in Lagos that called on Nigerians to renew their trust in God and to leave behind past regrets.
Akinadewo framed the turning of the calendar as a symbol of God’s renewing grace and urged citizens to face 2026 with intentional faith and hopeful expectation. He announced the church’s theme for the year as “Our Year of Righteousness Provoked New Name,” and urged believers to prioritise God’s kingdom and righteousness in their daily lives.
Nigeria New Year message and national unity
“The past year may have held both triumphs and trials, moments of clarity and seasons of doubt, but each experience was held within the bounds of His sovereign care,” Akinadewo said. He warned against entering the new year burdened by “the unshaken dust of old regrets or fears,” describing 2026 as a fresh canvas of divine mercy and an invitation to trust anew.
Speaking to congregants and guests, the church leader stressed that personal faith must translate into collective action. He called for citizens to support political leadership through prayer and productive engagement, noting that global monetary and fiscal challenges affect Nigeria as much as other nations.
“For this reason, it’s imperative for us as citizens to support our political leaders through prayers and other productive areas. It’s our collective efforts that will bring forth the enhancement of our plans,” he said. Akinadewo urged Nigerians to leverage the country’s diversity to address security concerns, economic pressures and other national issues.
The prelate painted an optimistic picture for the year ahead, saying that increased faith would help the nation overcome expected challenges. He said: “Therefore, 2026 is filled with lofty hopes, and at the end of the day, we shall all gather to rejoice together.”
Akinadewo supported his appeal with biblical references and practical counsel, calling on citizens to show care, compassion and forgiveness in daily life. He stressed that mercy received obliges believers to become conduits of grace for others.
“Let this be a year where our faith is expressed through love and tangible grace,” he said, urging churches, households and public spaces to become places of patient encouragement and Christ-like compassion. He emphasised that social healing requires both spiritual commitment and concrete acts of service.
The message combined spiritual consolation with civic responsibility. By linking faith to national renewal, Akinadewo urged a balanced response to Nigeria’s problems: steadfast prayer complemented by practical support for governance, community outreach and reconciliation.
An image from the event shows the prelate addressing attendees at the MCCSW headquarters and underscores the communal nature of his appeal.
As Nigerians begin 2026, Akinadewo’s message invites citizens to adopt an outlook of courageous faith, unity and shared responsibility as the nation navigates fiscal and security challenges in the year ahead.
Key Takeaways:
- President of OAIC Nigeria, Israel Akinadewo, urges renewed trust in God in his Nigeria New Year message.
- The church theme for 2026 is “Our Year of Righteousness Provoked New Name,” with a call to seek God’s kingdom first.
- Akinadewo encouraged collective action, prayers for leaders and leveraging national diversity to tackle security and economic challenges.
- He called for compassion, forgiveness and practical faith in communities as foundations for national renewal.
