JUNE 12: REP. BABAJIMI BENSON ATTRIBUTES CHURCH'S ROLE IN NATIONAL GROWTH, CALLS FOR PATRIOTIC CITIZENSHIP. ...Charges Religious Leaders to use influence in shaping Minds, Values.

As the celebration for the Nigeria Democracy Day across Nigeria continues, the 'June 12' has elicited conversations among key stakeholders across different sectors of the nation.

It was a spiritual turn on Sunday, June 15, 2025, when the Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Rep. Babajimi Adegoke Benson, MHR, representing Ikorodu federal Constituency, addressed the congregants of Elevation Church, Ikorodu, during their special Democracy Day Service and Political Dialogue.

Benson, who served as a Keynote Speaker, delivered a deeply reflective and actionable speech themed around “The Three I’s That Make a Nation Strong” - Ideas, Institutions, and Individuals. He emphasised that while structures and ideologies matter, it is individuals - citizens and leaders alike - who ultimately determine a nation's success.

“Ideas birth nations. Institutions sustain them. But individuals - especially responsible and value-driven ones - are the real drivers of transformation,” Benson opined.

He particularly charged the Church to use its influence to shape minds and values, calling on faith leaders to intentionally raise congregants who are law-abiding, informed, patriotic, and community-oriented.

“Every church has a civic role. If we raise honest, service-driven citizens from the pulpit, Nigeria will experience exponential growth,” he said.

The Democracy Day engagement also coincided with Father’s Day, creating a unique opportunity for faith and governance to intersect. In a panel session that followed his keynote, Rep. Benson shared personal insights on leadership, fatherhood, philanthropy, and politics.

“My father taught me to give. He used to take us to destitute homes to share what we had. That shaped my perspective on service,” he recounted emotionally.

He also responded to questions about youth engagement in politics, offering encouragement to young Nigerians who feel discouraged post-2023 elections. Drawing from his personal journey into politics, where he defeated several political heavyweights in a primary election, Benson explained how volunteerism, humility, and community service helped him win hearts and votes.

“Recognition doesn’t have to be expensive. When I first ran, I made over 1,000 plaques to recognise loyal party members. That gesture alone changed the game,” he revealed.

The session was moderated by Omo'ba Peju Akinyemi, who skillfully steered the dialogue, blending thought-provoking questions with humour and pastoral wisdom. At various points, he applauded Rep. Benson’s transparency and challenged the congregation to reflect on their own roles in national development. His engaging moderation ensured the discussion remained balanced, relatable, and spiritually grounded.

The event climaxed with a robust Q&A session, where concerns were raised about voter registration fraud, harassment of young changemakers, and the security situation in Igbe communities. Responding to the latter, Rep. Benson made a landmark announcement of an imminent military Forward Operating Base for the Ijede/Igbogbo axis to curb the rising spate of kidnappings.

Present at the event was Hon. Adedayo Olumuyiwa Samuel, Member representing Apapa Federal Constituency, among other dignitaries.

“This kind of church-political dialogue is what our democracy needs. It’s refreshing to see a lawmaker speak not just about politics, but purpose,” said Pastor Kolawole Shawana, who gave the vote of thanks.

The Elevation Church’s Democracy Day Dialogue is part of its broader vision to bridge civic literacy with spiritual consciousness - a space where policy, scripture, and community merge to inspire national change.

MegaXpression News,

The Source of GENUINE Information.

08027718555