By ibrahima yakubu
Former Kaduna State governor, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, has described the task of spreading the Word of God as “the most dangerous job in the world,” saying religious leaders carry an enormous moral burden and responsibility before God and society.
Makarfi made the remarks while speaking at the 2026 Assembly of God Northern Nigeria (AGNN) Leaders’ Retreat, themed “Walking Worthy, Leading Strong.” He said spiritual leaders are bound by a higher standard because they teach others what God permits and forbids.
“Those who agree to spread God’s Word have a contract with God,” he said. “You tell people what God says they should do and what they should avoid. The first question, then, is: are you doing it yourself?”
He stressed that leadership goes beyond politics, noting that leadership in the home, business, and places of worship plays a decisive role in shaping society. According to him, good leadership leads to national prosperity, while criminal leadership must be rejected outright.
“We do not want crime in our society,” Makarfi said. “That is why spiritual leaders have a huge task. Followers may be lesser sinners because they are not as learned, but those who teach must first live by what they preach.”
Makarfi urged religious leaders to influence political leadership through guidance and counsel rather than confrontation. He encouraged them to support good leaders wherever they are found and to combine prayers with practical engagement.
“God says you pray and you work,” he said. “Pray for leaders, but also guide and advise them so they can govern well. Pray for this country, because without prayer, no matter what we do, we will get nowhere.”
He described the retreat as timely and prayed that participants would leave better equipped to serve humanity and the nation.
Earlier, the General Superintendent of the Assembly of God Northern Nigeria, Rev. Dr. Yakubu Pam, said the retreat was the church’s annual leadership gathering, aimed at reviewing administration and strengthening character among leaders.
According to Rev. Pam, the theme “Walking Worthy, Leading Strong” focuses on the character and calling of a servant of God. “You cannot preach what you are not doing,” he said, adding that ministry must be holy, consecrated, and rooted in integrity.
He emphasized that church leadership is corporate, not individual, and must respect established structures. “You may be gifted and well loved, but the doctrines, laws, and structures of the church are above any individual,” he said. “If you destroy the structure because you are charismatic, there will be no future leaders.”
Rev. Pam described leadership as a heritage that must be passed from one generation to another. “Any vision that lasts beyond a decade becomes a heritage,” he said.
“Leadership is not about dying with a vision, but handing it over.”
Speaking on Nigeria’s political leadership, Rev. Pam warned against the growing trend of individuals overshadowing institutions. He said weak structures create room for corruption and abuse of power.
“Structures exist for supervision and accountability,” he said. “When personalities become bigger than institutions, corruption thrives.”
As the country moves toward the 2027 elections, he urged the government to strengthen electoral institutions, ensure transparency, and strictly follow the rules to prevent crisis and misinformation.
“Nigeria has passed through worse times,” he said. “If we can get this right, the country will survive and move forward.”
Rev. Pam also called on religious leaders to return fully to their callings and to live exemplary lives that government and traditional leaders can reference. He stressed the importance of accountability, saying no pastor or imam should operate without clear authority or supervision.
The AGNN Women Director, Rev. Mrs. Lucy Pam, said women play critical roles in both the church and the nation. She urged women to live Christlike lives and to model consistency in both public and private conduct, noting that mothers have great influence in leadership at home and in the church.
A participant and AGNN National Youth Treasurer, Nanbam Danladi Maina, said her key takeaway from the retreat was the need to align with the church’s vision. “When you align with the vision, the church grows, and when the church grows, the members grow,” she said, pledging to share lessons learned with others.
