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PORT HARCOURT — Popular Nigerian cleric and General Overseer of Christ The Life Bible International Church, Prophet ES Okenna, has expressed concern over the worsening insecurity across the country, urging Nigerians to make informed choices at the polls during the 2027 general elections.
Speaking with journalists on Thursday at the sidelines of the 80th Inaugural Lecture of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE) in Port Harcourt, Prophet Okenna said the nation’s future depends on electing credible and compassionate leaders committed to protecting lives and addressing the country’s security challenges.
The inaugural lecture, delivered by Prof. Jude Nwoka, Professor of Human Resource Management and Corporate Governance, was titled “Happiness Management as an Emerging Paradigm in Human Resource Management: The PLC Model for Enhancing Workplace Productivity.” The event attracted stakeholders from academia, industry, the clergy, traditional institutions, as well as former Rivers State Governor, Celestine Omehia.
Lamenting the prevailing security situation, Okenna faulted what he described as the government’s inability to effectively curb violent crimes and restore lasting peace across the country.
According to him, the continued loss of innocent lives reflects a lack of urgency by those in positions of authority to confront the nation’s security crisis.
“Ordinarily, the government should have arrested this situation, but because they feel unconcerned, that is why the masses are dying,” he said.
The cleric maintained that insecurity can only be meaningfully addressed when Nigerians elect leaders who genuinely prioritize the protection of lives and property.
He therefore advised citizens to vote with their conscience in 2027, stressing that informed electoral choices remain critical to securing competent leadership capable of addressing the country’s pressing challenges.
“I must offer to say, in the nearest future, whomever must vote should vote wisely to enable us to come out of this mirage. Nigerians must pray to God for a credible leader to lead the people after the 2027 polls,” he added.
Prophet Okenna also commended Prof. Jude Nwoka for his inaugural lecture on Happiness Management, describing the topic as timely and relevant.
He urged governments and corporate organisations to create work environments where employees feel valued, secure, and motivated, noting that such conditions are essential for improved productivity, organisational growth, and overall societal development.
“I congratulate Prof. Jude Nwoka for delivering such a message to the public. And I also commend him deeply, endlessly, for being patient academically to organize and mobilize such a cause, to ensure happiness for the masses,” Okenna stated.
Speaking on Prof. Nwoka’s recommendation that governments and organisations establish the position of a Chief Happiness Officer, Prophet Okenna described the proposal as timely and worthy of serious consideration.
“This message or call by Prof. Nwoka today is something that government and organisations should recognize and look into. They should create an enabling environment for workers to be happy and feel valued in the environment they find themselves in,” he said.
Earlier in his inaugural lecture, Prof. Jude Nwoka, Dean of the Faculty of Administration and Management at IAUE, called on governments at all levels and corporate organisations to move beyond short-term welfare measures and embrace long-term investments in employee development, workplace equity, and ethical leadership.
He maintained that prioritising employees’ happiness and wellbeing would significantly improve productivity, organisational performance, and institutional growth. To achieve this, he recommended the establishment of the office of a Chief Happiness Officer to institutionalise workplace wellbeing and promote a positive organisational culture.
“Managements should foster a supportive culture in their organizations while employees feel like they belong and make them feel more human so they can grow. Managements should try and remove obstacles from their staff,” he said.
Acting Vice-Chancellor of Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE), Prof. Okey Onuchukwu, endorsed Prof. Nwoka’s recommendations, emphasizing the need for governments and organisations in Nigeria to embrace happiness-driven workplace policies.
He said prioritising employee wellbeing would enhance staff satisfaction, boost productivity, and contribute to national development.
