The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of South West, The Rt. Rev. Ebenezer Adewole, has observed that the reason Nigeria continues to grope in the dark with little progress is that the vast majority of its citizens are yet to be transformed.
He made the observation on Friday, July 25, while delivering his presidential address at the first session of the first synod of the diocese with the theme, “Transformation.” The event took place at the Cathedral Church of Pentecost, Festac.
According to him, no matter the punitive measures put in place to deter people from corrupt practices and unwholesome behavior, if their hearts have not been genuinely transformed, such efforts will turn out to be futile.
He said, “Continuous reliance on punitive measures will not take us anywhere. When the minds of the people are corrupt, it will be difficult for them to live right. What we need is a radical inward transformation of the hearts of the people. This will go a long way to stem the tide of crime in the country. A transformed people will lead to daily civil responsibility and professional integrity.”
He noted that many of the government’s efforts aimed at curbing crime are only treating symptoms rather than the root cause.
“Every generation needs transformation. Leaders are voted in and out. Constitutions are amended, and all kinds of things are being done to have a better society. But all these are just treating symptoms. Corruption is a product of the unregenerated hearts of most of us. We need to embrace transformation if we truly want to experience a new lease of life in Nigeria.”
How to be transformed
Adewole, who is the pioneer bishop of the diocese, did not just talk about the need for transformation; rather, he gave deeper insight into the theme using the Bible to explain how people can experience it.
He reasoned that the greatness of a society is measured not by its infrastructure, but by the character of its people.
According to Bishop Adewole, “Transformation starts with salvation, but it does not end there. The life of God must first be born in us before it can manifest in us. Salvation means loving God with the whole of our being. Genuine love for God expresses itself in love for others.”
He said further that as many believers reflect the glory of Christ, the church as a whole becomes a clearer revelation of Jesus Christ.
The Anglican Bishop compared the transformed life to the transition from a caterpillar to a butterfly. “A transformed life goes through a developmental process. That is the same thing God desires in us. At the new birth, the believer receives a new life. As they pray, study the Word, and fellowship with the children of God, they begin to change to conform to the image of Christ.”
He gave many instances of people who experienced transformation in the Bible, starting with Peter, Paul, Zacchaeus, and a host of others.
Social political situation in Nigeria
The address also touched on the sociopolitical situation in Nigeria. Bishop Adewole urged the government to respond to the parlous state of the economy and the security issues bedeviling the country. He lamented the lack of electricity, saying the Festac area where the diocese is located has not been enjoying a steady power supply, forcing the diocese to spend huge funds on diesel.
He called on the federal government to do more to address the social crisis facing the country and work toward ameliorating the plight of the poor. He, however, commended the Lagos State government for what he described as the great work being done in the state.
Diocese update
The diocese, which is barely one year old, has recorded some landmark achievements according to him. Three more archdeaconries have been created while foundations are being laid for future development work. The diocese has also acquired a massive expanse of land within the Festac area for its Bishop’s Court. It is hoped that before the two-year lease on the Bishop’s current residence expires, the Bishop’s Court would have been built.
Sanwoolu’s speech
Earlier at the programme, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, underscored the importance of the church and the need for a continuous partnership with it to drive impact in the state.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented at the event by Rev. Bukola Adeleke, stated that the future of Lagos does not lie solely in building infrastructure and providing social amenities, but in the spiritual and moral strength of its residents. He expressed confidence that only the church can help shape the values that sustain true progress.
Dignataries
The opening ceremony of the synod attracted prominent dignitaries from across Nigeria, including representatives of several state governors.
The Anglican Bishop of Lagos West, The Rt. Rev. Olusola Odedeji, and a number of priests from the diocese also graced the occasion.
Bishop Adewole had in his speech commended Bishop Odedeji for rendering immense support to the new diocese since it was inaugurated in November 2025.