First Lady Oluremi Tinubu has called upon the Church in Nigeria to take an active role in fostering cohesive communities, emphasizing that the Christian gospel should be reflected in the daily lives of believers. Her remarks were made during the Lausanne Nigeria Congress 2026, a significant three-day gathering of church leaders, missionaries, and Christian organizations held in Abuja, which attracted over 5,000 delegates from across the nation.

In a statement issued by her Senior Special Assistant on Media, Busola Kukoyi, Tinubu highlighted the Church's essential duty to nurture hope and compassion, strengthen family bonds, mentor youth, and promote peaceful coexistence. "The Church in Nigeria has a vital responsibility to nurture hope and compassion, strengthen families, mentor our young people, encourage peaceful coexistence and help build communities where every person is treated with dignity," she stated.

The congress theme, 'Let the Church Declare and Display Christ Together,' resonated with Tinubu's message, aligning with the urgent needs of the moment and the Great Commission as given by Jesus Christ. She urged the delegates to ensure that the discussions held during the congress translate into actionable commitments within their congregations and communities.

"Let us leave here with renewed conviction to declare Christ faithfully, display His love consistently and fulfil our calling together," she encouraged, referencing Matthew 5:16, which speaks to letting one’s light shine before others.

Yunusa Nmadu, the National Chairman of Lausanne Nigeria Christian Missions, echoed Tinubu's sentiments, stating that the Church not only has a duty to pray for the nation but also to exemplify the character of Christ through love and unity. He called for an end to denominational, tribal, and ethnic divisions within the body of Christ, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to proclaiming the gospel and engaging in social action.

Archbishop Henry Ndukuba, the Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria of the Anglican Communion, also addressed the congress, advocating for unity among Christians. He reminded attendees that in heaven, there would be no denominations, reinforcing the importance of a collective Christian identity.

As part of the congress, prayers were offered for the nation, President Bola Tinubu, and leaders at all levels, as well as for a peaceful conduct of the upcoming 2027 general elections. The Lausanne Movement, which was initiated by the renowned evangelist Dr. Billy Graham, has been a significant force in promoting evangelism globally since its inception in 1974.

The congress served as a pivotal moment for church leaders to reflect on their roles in society and the necessity of embodying Christian values in their communities, as they strive to make a positive impact in Nigeria.