19th Anniversary: Esther Ajayi Tells Nigerians to Fall in Love With Nigeria Again
At a time when frustration over Nigeria’s economic and social challenges is driving many citizens to question the country’s future, Founder of Love of Christ Generation Church, Rev. Mother Esther Ajayi, has made a simple appeal: Nigerians should fall in love with their country again.
Ajayi made the call on Thursday while speaking with journalists ahead of the church’s 19th anniversary, tagged “Harvest of Divine Favour.”
She said Nigerians could not continue to condemn and abuse the country while expecting it to become better, insisting that rebuilding Nigeria requires citizens to take ownership of its problems and contribute to finding solutions.
“Keep loving Nigeria. Fall in love with Nigeria again. At some point, if you love Nigeria enough, you are not going to abuse Nigeria,” she said.
For Ajayi, patriotism should go beyond waving the national flag or singing the national anthem. She believes it should be reflected in how Nigerians treat one another, protect public property, obey the law and contribute to the development of their communities.
She acknowledged that governments cannot solve every problem confronting citizens, but argued that Nigerians also have a responsibility to play their part in rebuilding the nation.
Her message comes against the backdrop of widespread economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity and growing concerns over the future of the country, challenges that have left many Nigerians frustrated and tempted to seek opportunities elsewhere.
But Ajayi urged citizens not to give up on Nigeria.
She said whatever the difficulties, Nigeria remains the country Nigerians can call their own and should therefore be treated with love and responsibility.
The cleric connected her appeal to the central message of the church’s anniversary — love — saying genuine love must move beyond religious boundaries and translate into practical acts of kindness and service to humanity.
She said one of the purposes for which God brought her into the world was to bring people together, particularly members of the Christian community, through love and unity.
Ajayi also highlighted the church’s humanitarian interventions, including assistance to people seeking university admission and support for students, some of whom are not members of the church.
According to her, the church’s 19-year journey has been marked by testimonies from people who overcame educational, business and personal challenges.
The anniversary, she said, would therefore be more than a celebration. It would be an opportunity to thank God for His faithfulness and renew the church’s commitment to winning souls and serving humanity.
Ajayi also expressed confidence in Nigeria’s future, despite the difficulties confronting the country.
“I know and I know that Nigeria is going to be great. Nobody can change my mind about it,” she said.
