RENEWED HOPE AND NATIONAL LEADERSHIP: A CALL TO GOVERN WITH JUSTICE

RENEWED HOPE AND NATIONAL LEADERSHIP: A CALL TO GOVERN WITH JUSTICE

By Jerry Adesewo

Three weeks ago, when I opened the lectionary and discovered that our topic for November 23, 2025 was “The Renewed Hope,” what immediately came to mind was the “Renewed Hope Agenda” of the President Tinubu administration. I instantly made a mental note that last week’s edition of From the Pulpit had to focus on this theme. But that was not to be, and so here we are — carrying it over, with reflections richer for the waiting.

READ ALSO:The Resurgence of the Remnant: A Visionary Guide to CAC’s Awakening in These End Times

As I sat with the Scriptures assigned — Isaiah 40:28–31 and Romans 8:18–30 — I realized that their message is not only spiritual; it is deeply civic. They speak to leadership, governance, national responsibility, and what it truly means for a people to place their hope in something more enduring than political promise.

A Personal Reflection on Hope and Governance

The phrase “Renewed Hope” has become a national refrain. It appears in government communications, development agendas, and political discussions. But reading Isaiah and Paul side by side, one truth became clear: hope cannot be renewed by decree; it must be renewed by justice.

Isaiah begins with a reminder of human limitation:

“The everlasting God… fainteth not, neither is weary.”— Isaiah 40:28

Leaders grow weary. Institutions falter. Policies struggle. The weight of a nation can drain even the strongest men. But hope becomes possible again when leadership is humble enough to admit limits and seek wisdom beyond itself.

Isaiah promises that strength is renewed when we “wait,” a word that suggests reflection, recalibration, and reliance on truth rather than impulse.

If hope is to be renewed in our nation, leadership must first renew its commitment to integrity, transparency, and justice.

The Reality of Present Suffering

Paul writes with remarkable honesty:

“The sufferings of this present time…”— Romans 8:18

Nigerians today understand this phrase far too well. Rising living costs, insecurity, joblessness, and a growing sense of anxiety have created a national mood of exhaustion. Yet Paul refuses to let suffering be the final word — he speaks of purpose, of a glory to be revealed, and of a God who works even through pain.

From a civic perspective, this teaches something vital: Government must never ignore the suffering of its people. It must respond to it.

Suffering should push policy, not be overshadowed by political optimism. A renewed hope cannot flourish where hardship is dismissed or minimized.

Vision Beyond Immediate Politics

Romans 8:29–30 speaks of purpose, intentionality, and a future shaped deliberately, not accidentally. For leaders, this is a reminder that governance must be rooted in long-term vision, not short-term applause.

Nigeria has suffered much from leadership cycles where every administration resets the national compass. But sustained progress demands consistency, continuity, and sincere, data-driven planning.

Renewed hope is not delivered through slogans — it is achieved through structures.

The Civic Meaning of “Righteousness Exalteth a Nation”

One of Scripture’s most widely quoted civic principles is Proverbs 14:34:

“Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.”

In public life, “righteousness” is simply ethical governance — uprightness, justice, fairness, truthfulness, and compassion.

If any government seeks genuine renewed hope, it must be built on:

1. Justice

Fairness in appointments, contracts, court processes, policing, and economic opportunities. A nation rises when all citizens are seen and valued.

2. Integrity

Corruption is not only immoral — it is a development killer. It siphons resources meant for schools, healthcare, infrastructure, and growth.

3. Compassion

Policy must relate to the streets, not just the spreadsheets. Economic reforms must consider the vulnerable.

4. Transparency

Leadership that admits mistakes and shares clear information earns trust. Trust is the foundation of national unity.

This is the kind of righteousness that can truly exalt a nation.

The Strengths and Gaps of the Renewed Hope Agenda

The present administration has outlined certain aspirations:

• economic recalibration,
• infrastructure expansion,
• investment in digital and technological reforms,
• national stabilization.

These intentions deserve acknowledgment.

However, several gaps remain:

• citizens feel overwhelmed by hardship,
• safety nets are too thin,
• communication from government to people is inconsistent,
• corruption concerns linger,
• structural poverty remains unaddressed.

Hope weakens when reality contradicts rhetoric.

A government must measure its effectiveness not merely by policies launched, but by lives improved.

A Message to Our Leaders

As one reflecting on Scripture and society, I offer this with humility:

• Lead with empathy, not distance.
• A leader must feel the pulse of the people.
• Let justice be the foundation of policy.

Sustainable peace cannot grow where fairness is lacking.

• Build institutions, not empires.
• Nations mature when systems function beyond personalities.
• Listen to the people.

Citizens are not enemies; critics are not foes. Dialogue breeds stability.

• Plan for the long term.
• Legacy is built on continuity, not constant reinvention.

A Message to Nigerians

As citizens, we must also play our part:

• speak responsibly,
• hold leaders accountable respectfully,
• participate in nation-building,
• refuse despair,
• anchor hope not in politics alone but in shared values and collective effort.

Democracy thrives when citizens care enough to act.

Conclusion: Towards a Nigeria That Soars Again

Isaiah paints a beautiful national metaphor:

“They shall mount up with wings as eagles…” — Isaiah 40:31

Eagles rise not because storms cease, but because they use storms to climb higher.

Nigeria is in a storm — economically, socially, morally. But storms can become platforms when leaders govern with justice and citizens act with responsibility.

Romans 8 reminds us that even groaning has purpose, and that the end of this process is glory — a future shaped intentionally.

If leaders embrace ethical governance, and if citizens hold steady in hope and participation, then Nigeria’s renewed hope can indeed become renewed strength.

Not by slogans,

not by speeches,

but by righteousness.

And in righteousness, truly,

a nation is exalted.

May President Bola Ahmed Tinubu Suceed in all his good intentions for Nigeria.

May Nigeria and Nigerians Succeed.