Pastor Emmanuel Iren, founder of Celebration Church International (CCI) in Lagos, recently addressed Peter Obi’s statements about the potential impact of church night vigils on Nigeria’s productivity. Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, suggested in a widely-shared interview that Nigeria could boost productivity by encouraging evening work shifts instead of night vigils. His comments quickly divided opinions, with some supporting his focus on productivity while others felt he underestimated the cultural importance of night vigils.
On Monday, November 11, 2024, a video surfaced showing Pastor Iren passionately discussing the topic with his congregation. In the video, he respectfully acknowledged Obi’s perspective but disagreed, stressing that church gatherings, especially vigils, play a vital role in sustaining faith and fostering community. He emphasized that these spiritual practices offer unique strength and unity that can’t simply be replaced by extended work hours. Pastor Iren’s remarks have since sparked further conversation on the balance between productivity and cultural spirituality in Nigeria.
The preacher said in the trending video:
“Everyday on the internet, you see someone say ‘having vigils everyday’. Which church do you know that has vigils everyday? Some might have vigils everyday for a season, but no church has vigils everyday.
“Please, don’t get me wrong. I have profound respect for the person who said this.
“It is part of my privileged roles in Christ, and in the body of Christ to set the record straight on some things like this. If churches don’t have vigils everyday, how often is too often? Twice a week; thrice a week?
“Do you realise, if you saw someone who goes to the gym everyday, you won’t think he is wasting economic hours? Don’t you see that the bias is hidden?
“If you saw someone who hung out with his friend thrice a week, you say ‘it is good, work-life balance’. But someone who goes to church thrice a week, we say we need to be more productive as a nation.
“First and foremost, it is the gaslighting for me. Nobody who has been in government, past or present, has the right to make such a comment. For God sake, if the people don’t go to church, have you provided jobs for them? Where are the jobs?
“I say this with all sense of humility, please don’t get me wrong: sometimes, the level of output in my life in one month, if it was someone else’s highlight for a whole year, you have tried.
“You have to understand I have like five full-time jobs. I believe in productivity, but please, don’t let anyone talk down on your devotion. your faith in the Lord. Protect it with all you have. Prayer got you here, stick to it.”