Church Must Lead With Justice, Ethics and Service, Says Prof. Enegho at PAAU Inaugural Lecture

By Habibatullah Onakpa Abdallah

Professor of Church History and Missiology, Felix Ehimare Enegho, has urged the Church and all people of goodwill to embrace a holistic mission rooted in human dignity, ethical leadership, peaceful coexistence and sustainable development.

He spoke while delivering the 22nd Inaugural Lecture of Prince Abubakar Audu University, Anyigba, titled “On the Move for the Carpenter’s Son and Humanity in Historical and Missiological Contexts,” on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at the University Auditorium.

Prof. Enegho said the Church’s mission goes beyond evangelism to include justice, education, human development and responsible citizenship, insisting that true Christianity must transform both individuals and society. He noted that Christianity has historically shaped Nigeria’s education, healthcare and leadership development, and stressed that effective evangelisation demands sincerity, cultural sensitivity and communication in languages people understand.

He identified quality education, healthcare, social welfare and vocational empowerment as key tools for church growth, and called for stronger Christian-Muslim dialogue and mutual respect as pillars of national unity. On leadership, he said the Church must keep promoting moral values and responsible governance while encouraging citizens to engage actively in democracy.

The lecturer also urged the Church to embrace in-culturation by adapting its teachings to local realities, praised the Catholic Charismatic Renewal for driving spiritual revival, and linked migration to the historical spread of Christianity and national development. He further challenged Christians to take environmental stewardship seriously amid rising ecological threats.

He concluded that being “on the move for the Carpenter’s Son” is a universal call to integrity, service and justice, adding that education should produce professionals guided by wisdom and moral responsibility.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Salisu Ogbo Usman described the lecture, the fifth since he assumed office on February 11, 2026, as timely and academically significant. The event, attended by university management, staff, students, traditional and religious leaders, and outside scholars, climaxed with the presentation of a certificate, plaque and medal to Prof. Enegho.