Pastor Oye Suggests Ways out of Depression, Frustration among Nigerians
Onyebuchi Ezigbo in Abuja
Founder and Lead Pastor of The Transforming Church, Rev. Sam Oye, has expressed concern over the high rate of depression and suicide in the country.
He said there is no doubt that the country was facing multiple problems at this time, but that one thing that can uplift an average Nigerian is inspirational talks that will give them hope. .
Speaking to journalists in Abuja ahead of the church’s annual programme tagged “The Encounter” held on Friday, the religious leader lamented the high rate of depression and suicide in the country.
According to him, there was no better time to refocus people’s energy and minds than the time of turbulence.
He said: “The encounter has been an annual programme of our church and the practice for the past 10years. It is all about inspiring people. Most times, the most depressing part of the year is always towards the end of the year when many dreams and goals people think they would achieve were not forthcoming.
“We realise that there is a high rate of depression and suicide this time and we thought that there is no better time to refocus people’s energy and minds to let them know that there is something to be thankful about both now and years to come. So “The Encounter is that period of inspiration. It is a time where we gather to inspire hope in people and we do that through the instrument that is universal which is music.
“We bring people together in an atmosphere where they got to listen to those singers they like to listen.
“This year’s edition will be different. It is now a public knowledge that depression is so high in this country because of the economy and political situation. Our people are committing suicide like never before. There is depression, hopelessness, banditry, Naira fall and all that, he said.
Oye said the programme was aimed at inspiring Nigerians to have hope despite the current economic challenges facing the country.
Following called by some Nigerians asking President Bola Tinubu to cut all diplomatic ties with the State of Israel over the ongoing war,cleric said the president should rather play the role of a mediator with other world leaders in finding lasting solution to the age-long conflict.
He urged the federal government to exercise caution and not take side in the conflict lingering conflict between Israel and Palestine..
