The Senior Pastor of First Baptist Church, Garki, Abuja, Tom Tampatore, has called for a sincere national effort to address Nigeria’s security challenges.

He urged leaders and citizens to rise above denial and complacency, stressing that insecurity demands honest reflection and coordinated action.

Mr Tampatore spoke on Sunday during the church’s 2025 Annual Thanksgiving service attended by worshippers, community leaders, and guests from across Abuja 

He reacted to reports of the United States of America’s designation of Nigeria as a country of particular concern over alleged killings and human rights concerns.

According to him, Nigerians must look inward for solutions, rather than reacting defensively to foreign assessments or waiting for outside intervention.

He asked the congregation, “Is there trouble in the land? If there is trouble, what can be done?”

The cleric urged the country not to be reactive or dismissive, saying the first step was acknowledging that problems truly exist.

Mr Tampatore said lives and property were being lost to violence, and ignoring those realities would worsen national pain.

He warned that it would be shameful for outsiders to point out issues Nigerians themselves refused to recognise or address 

The pastor said genuine reforms, improved governance, and collective moral responsibility would help restore order, peace, and trust across communities 

He expressed optimism that Nigeria could overcome its difficulties if citizens and leaders embraced truth, justice, and hard work.

According to him, positive actions would eventually reshape global perceptions and bring an end to negative narratives about the country.

Mr Tampatore encouraged worshippers to maintain gratitude and faith, noting that scripture commands thanksgiving even in challenging circumstances.

He assured the congregation that “great things are coming,” and urged them to trust God for national and personal growth.

In her remarks, the senior pastor’s wife, Nike Tampatore, also encouraged Nigerians to focus on blessings rather than difficulties.

She noted that the removal of fuel subsidy created hardship, but said God had protected and sustained many families through the period.

According to her, despite the economic strain, people continued to experience daily provision, health, and resilience through faith.

She urged Nigerians to remain thankful and hopeful, stressing that gratitude attracts divine favour and future breakthroughs.

Mrs Tampatore prayed for God’s protection over the nation, asking that Nigerians be preserved to see the end of the year in peace.

She expressed confidence that God would continue to support the country, adding that better days were still ahead.

(NAN)