The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West, The Rt. Rev. Olusola Odedeji, has lamented the state of the nation’s economy while also expressing hope that Nigeria will “get out of the woods” in the near future.
He made this observation while delivering his Presidential Address at the Third Session of the Ninth Synod of the diocese, which took place on Friday, May 15, at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral Church in Ikeja, Lagos. The theme of the Synod was, Who is on the Lord’s Side.
Economic Concerns and Reforms
Bishop Odedeji noted that the purchasing power of the people has been completely weakened. “The naira has lost value,” he lamented. Beyond that, he noted that the pressure for survival is real. “Sometimes you are afraid to open your phone because of the numerous requests and bank account numbers that will be waiting for you. Things are that bad.”
However, he noted that the current economic crisis is a consequence of the various reforms being carried out by the government. “Many developed nations that our people are running to have gone through this phase. It’s a matter of time; we will get out of the woods. Those who have traveled out will begin to come back.”
Security and Infrastructure
The Bishop lamented the state of insecurity in the country, stating that even traveling from Lagos to Ibadan fills people with fear as they do not know what might confront them. He urged President Tinubu to intensify efforts to create a safe environment for Nigerians, while also noting that the power sector has not lived up to expectations.
Commendation for Lagos State
Bishop Odedeji commended the Lagos State Government for making the state a safe haven for residents and for greatly impacting the lives of the people. He specifically acknowledged how Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has supported the church over the years.
”The government of Lagos State is doing well. May God bless Lagos State. The church is indebted to him. On the issue of land ownership and some of our parishes, the governor has played a significant role. He also played a key role in the ‘City of God’ project being handled by the diocese.”
Who is on the Lord’s Side?”
Earlier in his speech, Odedeji explored the theme of the synod. Making copious references to the Bible, he stated that humanity is often confronted with a choice between good and evil.
”There is a real and ongoing conflict. There are only two sides: the side of God and the side of the devil. We are always in a battle between right and wrong. The battle is both external and internal.” He added that aligning with the Lord brings distinction and peace. He warned that in taking decisions, leaders should no longer be driven by efficiency alone, but by a desire to be on the side of God.
Remarks from Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, underscored the critical role of the church in nation-building, emphasizing that no government can replace the church’s influence.
The Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said that long before the government built roads and provided amenities, the church was involved in the moral engineering of the people.
The Church as a Pillar of Society
The Governor—who declared that he does not wish to be addressed as “His Excellency” because only God is excellent—noted that the Anglican Church, in particular, has impacted Lagos State positively.
”The Anglican Church came to Nigeria as a builder of society, wiping away tears in moments of pain. Through its parishes, schools, and hospitals, it has demonstrated the love of God and contributed immensely to society,” he said. He added that the cathedral hosting the synod is a symbol of the church’s fruitful investment in the state.
A Call for Continued Partnership
Sanwo-Olu stated that the progress his government has made in the last year cannot be divorced from the support of the church. “Your prayers for this administration have kept us focused,” he noted.
He appealed to the church to continue serving as the guardian of civic conscience:promote peace and encourage public participation in government., address societal challenges such as the mental health crisis and ethical issues.
Sanwoolu also urged the church to maintain political neutrality, noting that “the church does not belong to any political actor.”
He called for prayers for the country’s leaders and for women, whose daily labours sustain many homes.
The synod attracted hundreds of delegates from across the diocese, and many Anglican Bishops from across Nigeria.