Christians across Nigeria have been encouraged to embrace forgiveness, love, and charity as vital pillars of the Gospel and essential tools for fostering peace in the nation.
This call was made by President Osamuyimen Osadiaye, President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Lagos Nigeria Ojodu Stake, during the Stake’s Annual Conference in Lagos.
President Osadiaye argued that if Christians commit to forgiving others sincerely from the heart, national unity and peace will significantly improve.
The conference brought together members from all wards under the Ojodu Stake, including Ojodu, Ogba, Ibafo, Akute, Iju, Omole, and Mowe.
President Osadiaye emphasized that harbouring bitterness and resentment contradicts the teachings of Jesus Christ and instead aligns with the influence of Satan. He called on Christians to forgive those who have wronged them, no matter the pain or persecution endured.
Quoting the Gospel of Luke, he cited Christ’s example of forgiveness on the cross, saying, “Until Christians make a conscious effort to live according to the example of Christ, they cannot truly be called His disciples.”
He added, “Think about what the Saviour did for you—the pain he endured, both at Gethsemane and on the cross of Calvary. In all of this, He always forgave. I don’t know what you’re going through today, brothers and sisters, or who has hurt you. But you must let go.”
President Osadiaye stressed that embracing forgiveness, spreading love, and practicing charity would lead to a more harmonious society. He announced that the Stake leadership has resolved to focus on these virtues over the next six months to nurture stronger believers and promote spiritual growth.
“You cannot profess the Gospel of Jesus Christ and still harbor animosity,” he declared. “When we live Christ-like lives and obey God’s commandments, we open ourselves to divine blessings. The Saviour taught that only when we forgive those who wrong us can we receive forgiveness from our Heavenly Father.”
Also speaking at the event,President Aliche Chinedu, First Counselor in the Lagos Nigeria Mission presidency, encouraged young members to consider full-time missionary service as a way to spread the Gospel and make a meaningful impact.
He urged aspiring missionaries to live disciplined lives, be tolerant, manage resources wisely, study the scriptures regularly, and remain steadfast in prayer.
“Full-time missionaries pray daily, study the scriptures both personally and with companions, plan their activities, and budget their resources wisely. They also learn to tolerate and support one another,” he said.
Mr. Chinedu noted that living exemplary lives is a powerful tool for evangelism. “One great way to preach the Gospel is to live in a way that others admire and want to know more about your faith. The scriptures say we are the light of the world—a city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Let your good works glorify your Father in heaven.”
Elder Michel Avegnon, a representative of the Area Seventy—which oversees Church activities in eight West African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, Liberia, Togo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Benin Republic, and Côte d’Ivoire—underscored the importance of unity among Church members.
He encouraged members to become lifelong disciples of Jesus Christ by treating their spouses with love and respect, supporting each other, and contributing to the advancement of the Gospel.
“Discipleship means believing in Christ even in seasons of doubt, standing with Him when it’s not popular, and loving Him even when we feel alone. It means being loyal to Jesus,” Elder Avegnon said. “It is never too early or too late to become a disciple.”
One of the participants, Sister Nosa Anifowoshe, who works with young adults, described the conference as deeply enriching and impactful.
“There was a message for everyone. Young people, in particular, were encouraged to be patient and listen to God when choosing life partners. Others were touched by the inspiring music—like the hymn ‘Amazing Grace’—and the powerful testimonies shared,” she said.
She added, “I was personally moved by a testimony from a brother preparing for missionary service, who said that faith doesn’t mean having all the answers—it means trusting God even when you don’t. If attendees paid attention, they left with something meaningful that God prepared for them.”
The conference featured inspiring testimonies, heartfelt musical renditions, and reaffirmed unity among members.
In a show of confidence, participants unanimously passed a vote of confidence in the current leadership of the Ojodu Stake.
Reporting by Innocent Onoh