The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, Rt. Revd. Ifedola Okupevi, on Monday, urged Christians to guide fellow Nigerians against wrongdoings, including corruption and immorality.
The duo spoke at the opening ceremony of the Third Session of the 35th Synod of the Diocese of Lagos Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), held on the premises of Our Saviour’s Church, TBS, Lagos.
While speaking on the theme: ‘Preach the word, be prepared in season and out of season,’ Sanwo-Olu, whose speech was read by the Secretary to the State Government, Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said the theme text was speaking to Christians and urging them to be ready to preach the undiluted word of God.
He said, “The theme text is speaking to us as Christians to be ready to preach the undiluted word of God at all times no matter the circumstances we find ourselves. We are also to correct and point the right way to those in error, and to speak out against wrongdoings, encourage with empathy and love.”
The governor also expressed good wishes to the church and Lagosians on the occasion of the synod.
While giving his address, Revd Okupevi, who was the chief host, lamented that the situation in Nigeria, particularly the socio-economic status of the country, was fast deteriorating.
He said “corruption at all levels” was ravaging the system and Christians needed to be ready to guide people towards Christ to change the situation.
The cleric said, “The situation of our nation and other nations today begs for solutions and answers as we are faced with diverse forms of challenges, ranging from domestic violence to international wars; from personal poverty to national famine, and economic downturn, insecurity and fear of uncertainties; corruption at all levels, immorality and evil practices.
“All these have defied solutions from one generation to another. And it is getting worse by the day. The hope of man in every generation has always been to turn to and call on God. Our generation is no different. What our world needs is to make all people become disciples of Jesus Christ for us to experience the change.”
PUNCH
