Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called on the Church in Nigeria to become more actively involved in tackling poverty, insecurity and moral challenges confronting the country.

Obasanjo made the call during the weeklong Golden Jubilee celebration of the Annual LAWNA International Convention of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, held at the National Temple, Olorunda-Ketu, Lagos.

Speaking on the convention’s theme, “Church Militant on Earth,” the former president clarified that his use of the word “militant” was not a call for violence, but for Christians to demonstrate greater commitment, zeal and active service to God and society.

“Being an ex-military man, I understand what being militant means. It means to be zealous and active in service,” he said.

Obasanjo questioned whether the presence of a large Christian population in Nigeria had translated into meaningful improvements in the country’s security, prosperity and social wellbeing.

“Do we have peace, security, prosperity and love, yet we have churches?” he asked.

He urged Christians to move beyond religious observance and actively contribute to transforming society through peace, love, righteousness and responsible engagement.

According to him, Nigeria would have been in a better position if the Church had demonstrated greater commitment to what he described as its divine responsibility.

“If we have a militant Church on earth and in Nigeria, it would have been a different situation for us in this country,” Obasanjo said.

The former president maintained that Nigeria has the potential to become “a land flowing with milk and honey” if Christians actively confront the challenges facing the nation.

“Children of God, we have a task ahead of us. We have challenges, and Christ expects us to fulfil our responsibilities and confront those challenges. God will empower us to carry out our duties,” he added.

Obasanjo also congratulated The Apostolic Church Nigeria on the 50th anniversary of the LAWNA convention.