The Christ Global Network (CGN) has officially announced the 2025 edition of its flagship revival event, the New Wine Fire Conference, during a world press conference held on Monday at Champion Peace Cathedral, Rhema Christian Church & Towers, Sango-Ota. The conference, themed “Show Me Your Glory” (Exodus 33:18-19), is scheduled for Saturday, April 12, 2025, and is expected to draw thousands of believers from Nigeria and beyond.
Archbishop Taiwo Akinola, Founding President of Rhema Christian Church & Towers and Apostolic Presbyter of CGN, addressed members of the press, highlighting both the spiritual significance of the upcoming conference and the urgent socio-political challenges confronting the nation.
A Call to Spiritual Renewal
According to Akinola, the New Wine Fire Conference—which debuted in 2019 at the National Stadium in Lagos—has grown into a transformative spiritual convocation. This year’s edition will feature renowned gospel ministers including Bishop Mrs. Ireti Akinola, Bishop Joshua Nissi, and Rev. Dr. G.M. Ibeh, among others.
“At a time when global darkness threatens hope and stability, only the glory of God can illuminate our path forward,” Akinola said, urging Christian leaders, believers, and seekers to attend. Free transportation will be provided across Ogun State to encourage broad participation.
Addressing National Issues: Rivers State, Sharia Panels, and Political Division
Beyond the spiritual, Archbishop Akinola used the occasion to offer a faith-based critique of Nigeria’s pressing national concerns.
On the State of Emergency in Rivers State, declared by President Bola Tinubu in March, Akinola described the decision as “a necessary evil,” citing the breakdown of governance and rising security threats. He emphasized the need for peace through “dialogue, negotiation, and genuine reconciliation.”
He also condemned the renewed calls for nationwide Sharia panels, warning that such efforts “violate the Constitution” and could ignite dangerous sectarian divides. “Nigeria belongs to all Nigerians, not only to a sectarian group,” he said, categorically rejecting any attempt to Islamize the country.
Call for National Unity and Responsible Governance
Akinola decried the increasing trend of regional threats and ethnic profiling, referencing the aftermath of the Uromi killings. “Issuing ultimatums and threats against fellow Nigerians will serve no good,” he cautioned, calling on the government to act decisively against such provocations.
On the controversy surrounding Senators Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan and Godswill Akpabio, Akinola urged restraint and due process. He emphasized the danger of unverified sexual harassment allegations, cautioning against media trials and politically motivated narratives.
“We must protect victims, but we must also demand evidence before condemnation,” he stated. “True justice requires facts and fairness—not emotionalism or sensationalism.”
Warning Against Political Falsehoods and Divisive Propaganda
The cleric warned against emerging efforts to distort national narratives for political gain. “These propagandists aim to disrupt governance and plunge the country into confusion. Nigerians must be discerning and reject lies,” he said, affirming that CGN remains a non-partisan but deeply invested stakeholder in Nigeria’s future.
A Call to Speak Life Over the Nation
In his concluding remarks, Akinola urged Nigerians to “speak hope and righteousness over the nation,” reminding the press and the public of the power of words in shaping national destiny. “Righteousness exalts a nation,” he declared. “Let us pray for our leaders and live with integrity.”
He thanked the media for their role in nation-building and appealed for balanced, accurate coverage, especially in these trying times.
As Nigeria navigates complex political, social, and spiritual crossroads, the New Wine Fire Conference 2025 is positioned not just as a spiritual gathering, but also a rallying point for national healing and divine direction.