Nigeria’s First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu on Monday, October 21, urged religious leaders to focus on praying and counselling governments at all levels instead of cursing them.

The president’s wife made the statement at the opening ceremony of a four-day International Conference of the African Biblical Leadership Initiative scheduled to be held in Abuja.

The ABLI initiative themed ‘Value-based leadership model for Africa’ had in attendance several African and European leaders as well as global Christian leaders.

Remi Tinubu, who was represented by the National Coordinator and Chief Executive Officer of New Partnership for Africa’s Development, Princess Gloria Akobundu, said there are numerous challenges plaguing today’s leadership, especially in Africa.

She, therefore, urged religious leaders to preach peace and follow in the footsteps of Christ by fervently praying for leaders in power instead of abusing them.

She said, “To our spiritual fathers, I urge you to build and foster peace and Development as well as to pray for the government. Let us not curse, insult and castigate the government. Rather, speak the truth to the leaders and conscience of our citizens.

“Let us not equate ourselves to God, nor take His place, knowing fully well that God can use anybody to achieve his purpose and fulfil His agenda here on earth. Africa is at a crossroads, facing numerous challenges that require effective leadership.

“As Christian leaders, we must embrace a value-based leadership model that reflects the teachings of our Lord Jesus Christ. This model must be built on justice, integrity, wisdom and social harmony.”