The governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has tasked religious authorities, especially Anglican bishops, with constantly upholding public office holders in their prayers and encouragement.
In addition, he begged church leaders at all levels to support the populace by urging them to maintain hope in the face of the nation’s present difficulties.
At the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 2024 Annual Retreat for Bishops and Their Wives, with the theme “Shepherding God’s Family,” held at the Archbishop Adebola and Mrs. Oluranti Ademowo Christian Resource Center (Faith Plaza), Bariga, Lagos, on Monday, Governor Sanwo-Olu gave a speech.
The Most Rev. Dr. Henry Ndukuba, the primate and metropolitan of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), along with bishops and their spouses, welcomed the governor with great pomp and circumstance.
“We pray that God will use His Church as a major intervention to bring His people succour,” he stated. We pray that God would use 2024 to be the beginning for things to relax, quiet and calm in our country.
“You (religious leaders) are the ones to whom God communicates; once you take up your pulpit, you have all the authority to caution those of us in public office; to support and critique us, as well as convey the thoughts and feelings of the public; to inform us of the views of the people because they come to you and you see them.
“We want to urge you to continue to encourage us, pray for us and lead us so that we also can help and govern our people well. It is not an easy task but with your prayer, encouragement, admonition, and criticism, we believe we will stay on the right track.
“You should not take a back seat because you have a role to play. You are our leaders in your individual rights and you have the responsibility to speak and to encourage all of our parishioners that indeed as long as we are living, there is hope; we cannot give up now.”
Speaking on the next five-day retreat on January 8–12, Monday through Friday, Governor Sanwo-Olu noted that planning the retreat early in the year is a smart move and demonstrates the leadership’s commitment to taking on the task that God has given them.
During his speech, the Primate expressed gratitude to Governor Sanwo-Olu for his outstanding accomplishments in various fields, stating that the Anglican Church values the excellent work the Governor is carrying out in Lagos State.
“We are proud of you seeing what God is using you to do in Lagos State. We thank you for your support for the Church and for creating an enabling environment where Christians, Muslims, commercial men and women and industry feel at home to thrive,” he said.
Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN), the immediate past governor of Ondo State and the Chancellor of the Owo Diocese, passed away. Through Governor Sanwo-Olu, The Most Reverend Ndukuba also conveyed the condolences of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) to the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and the Ondo State Government. He was described as a gem, an icon, and a courageous man.
Speaking alongside Governor Sanwo-Olu was the Bishop of the Lagos Diocese, Rt. Revd. Ifedola Okupevi. He asserted that the Governor, through his reform agenda, is making Lagos State the smartest city in Africa and that he can be convincingly and authoritatively described as a trailblazer and innovative leader.
According to the Bishop, Lagos State has made enormous progress thus far because Governor Sanwo-Olu chose to face and overcome challenges rather than magnify them.
He said: “Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is indeed a generous man. We have been following your robust contributions through your impressive transformational agenda aimed at taking Lagos State to the attainment of the Smart City goal.
“He (Governor Sanwo-Olu) has taken steps to touch every area for human capacity developments, increased income generation of the State and with incredible results in infrastructural development across the State.
“The Church has for years been known to be ‘the conscience of the Nations’ through good and impactive constructive counsel offered for good governance. Today, the Church is not ashamed to celebrate your incredible achievements.
“We can only call and charge you to continue the good works and raise the bar. Be assured that posterity shall not forget your good works and your impactful leadership. We assure you of our continuous prayer support.”
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
