THE Presiding Bishop of Victory Life Ministries International, Bishop Mike Bamidele has called on the Nigerian government to legislate and implement training programmes that will equip believers with skills for self-defense, saying such measures are crucial to curbing insecurity at the family, community, and individual levels.
Speaking during the 2026 Global Pentecost Day celebration today, Bishop Bamidele said Christians must be empowered to protect themselves while still depending on God.
“Believers should be trained to defend themselves. It should be legislated. Get Christians trained — there is training that can be done for defense. We need training for self-defense, for the family, the individual, and the community,” he said.
Bishop Urges Church Ministers to Stay in Their Calling, Seek Wisdom
The cleric also admonished ministers to remain steadfast in their divine assignment, stressing that only God determines changes in position and elevation.
“Stay in your calling. Only God changes positions,” he declared.
He encouraged ministers to seek wisdom as exemplified by King Solomon, noting that wisdom helps leaders “put things in order and know what to do at the right time.”
Call for Peaceful Elections in Osun State
Turning to the political situation in Osun State, Bishop Bamidele urged citizens to participate actively in the electoral process and commended the current administration’s efforts.
“In Osun, let us encourage voters to participate. Our Governor is doing great and should be encouraged, and those who have something to do better should also be encouraged,” he said.
He appealed to political actors to sign a peace accord and caution their supporters against violence. Warning against the misuse of state power, he said:
“In a contest, there will be a loser and a winner, and there is no use of state might or federal might to distort the process. Don’t kill the party that wants to serve you.”
Pentecost: A Day to Seek God’s Direction
Bishop Bamidele explained that Pentecost commemorates the outpouring of the Holy Spirit as recorded in Acts 2:1-4. He urged participants to use the occasion to seek God’s guidance for their lives.
“For everyone on Pentecost Day, ask God to make a call for you — be it in marriage, business, education, or family. You need the help of God, which is the Holy Spirit. Everyone will see the help of God,” he said.
The 2026 Global Pentecost Day Celebration held at Baptist Girls High School Arena Dominion Baptist Centre, Gbodofon, Osogbo attracted Christians from different denominations across the state while dignitaries including political office holders and traditional rulers also graced the occasion.