Methodist Church Nigeria Prelate declares 2026, year of revival, victory

L–R: Connexional Secretary for Evangelism and Discipleship, Rt. Rev. Dr. Inyang Okon Effiong; Bishop, Lagos West, Rt. Rev. Ezekiel Oluyinka Akande; Prelate, His Eminence Dr. Oliver Ali Aba; Archbishop, Lagos Mainland Archdiocese, Most Rev. Obafemi Adeleye; Bishop, Lagos North Diocese, Rt. Rev. Job Gboyega Ohu; and Bishop, Lagos Central, Rt. Rev. Dr. Samuel Nortey, all of the Methodist Church Nigeria, during the Prelate’s Apostolic Visit to the Diocese of Lagos at Oshodi Methodist Church on 3 February 2026.

Michael Olumide

Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Oliver Ali Aba, has declared 2026 as a year of revival, victory, and spiritual renewal for the church and its members.

Delivering a sermon during his Prelate’s Apostolic visit to the Diocese of Lagos North, and dedication of Ebenezer Methodist Church Shasha building, inspired by Ezekiel chapter 37, the Prelate reminded worshippers that God has the power to bring life into seemingly hopeless situations, describing the valley of dry bones as a reflection of the church, the nation, businesses, families, and individual lives.

According to him, many challenges persist because truth is often resisted, but he stressed that no situation is beyond God’s intervention.

He urged members not to dwell on past failures, assuring them that there is hope beyond yesterday.

Dr. Aba also cautioned against division and unnecessary arguments within the church, warning that conflict can extinguish spiritual progress.

He called for unity, sincere preaching of the Word, and total dependence on God, especially among ministers.

The Prelate challenged members to embrace 2026 with renewed seriousness and commitment, declaring that the Methodist Church Nigeria is entering a season of restoration, where “dry bones shall rise again,” and the church will become an instrument of hope to others.

In his remarks, Bishop, Lagos North Diocese, Rt. Rev. Job Gboyega Ohu commended the Prelate for his exemplary leadership, steadfast guidance, and unwavering support for the growth of the church.

He described the Prelate’s leadership as inspiring and transformational, noting that his commitment to unity, spiritual renewal, and institutional development has continued to strengthen the Methodist Church across the nation.

In his welcome address, the Lay President, Diocese of Lagos North, Sir Dotun Somoye, said that the Prelate’s visit is both an honour and a spiritual encouragement.

He further said that it also affirmed the Prelate’s deep pastoral concern, unwavering commitment to evangelism, and passion for the growth and development of the Methodist Church Nigeria.

“We are confident that this visit will ignite renewed spiritual fervour, inspire stronger unity, and release divine blessings upon our diocese,” he stated.

The Lay President noted that the diocese has enjoyed purposeful and visionary leadership, from the pioneering Bishop, Rt. Rev. Olu Akinola, to the current Bishop, Rt. Rev. Job Gboyega Ohu continues to steer the diocese toward spiritual depth and institutional growth.

He commended the Prelate for unprecedented progress for the church since his leadership.

The Prelate was accompanied by his wife, Deaconess Maria Oliver Aba, L–R: Connexional Secretary for Evangelism and Discipleship, Rt. Rev. Dr. Inyang Okon Effiong; Bishop, Lagos West, Rt. Rev. Ezekiel Oluyinka Akande, Archbishop, Lagos Mainland Archdiocese, Most Rev. Obafemi Adeleye, Bishop, Lagos Central, Rt. Rev. Dr. Samuel Nortey and other conference officials.