The government has a legitimate reason to work with churches and other faith-based institutions on education, family welfare, youth development and social values. What it must not expect in return is political loyalty, public endorsement or silence. A partnership that strengthens communities is valuable; one that turns independent institutions into extensions of political power is dangerous.
That distinction should frame Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun’s recent call for a stronger partnership between government and the Church to raise disciplined, cultured and responsible future leaders. The objective is difficult to fault. Nigeria needs institutions that can help young people develop character, civic responsibility and a sense of duty beyond what formal education alone can provide.
But the quality of such a partnership will depend less on how closely the institutions work together than on whether each retains its independence. Faith-based organisations possess something the government often struggles to create: deep community networks and social trust. Churches, mosques and other religious organisations run schools, hospitals, charities, youth programmes and community initiatives that reach millions of Nigerians.
Governments can reasonably seek their cooperation in addressing social problems, particularly where their networks allow public programmes to reach communities more effectively. But cooperation should not become co-option. Religious institutions have a public role that extends beyond supporting government programmes. They are also part of the moral and civic ecosystem that should hold power to account.
When bishops, pastors, imams or other religious leaders speak about insecurity, poverty, corruption, poor leadership or the conduct of public officials, they are exercising an important form of civic responsibility. The government cannot reasonably welcome such voices when they are complimentary and question their legitimacy when they become critical.