By Abraham Oladipupo
Genesis Chapter 1 verse 1 seems one of the most known portions of the bible for many reasons. The verse relays the beginning of the world, moved to the creation of many things therein and dovetailed into man’s creation.
However, not many take cognizance of the importance for this bible verse and by extension the chapter to their daily lives.
This was the main focus at the 24th Synod of the Ibadan Anglican Diocese as the highly respected cleric the Most Revd Joseph Akinfenwa took a chronological look at the power of the Almighty God and the importance of this knowledge in turning around Nigeria’s current situation.
Akinfenwa said, “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1) is timeless echo that shows the majesty of a Creator whose power transcends the boundaries of our imaginations and limitations.
‘ It does not only serve as a historical opening to the Bible but also reveals an eternal declaration of God’s unlimited authority and creative genius and ability to bring out something great from nothing and turning a seemingly hopeless situation like the one we found ourselves in the country to one to be admired.
‘Even though Nigeria’s situation seems hopeless, the above truth is one that should shape every aspect of our lives and rekindle hope in every Nigerians.’
God’s creative power
While speaking on both the love of God and its creative power, the cleric noted that, “from the very moment when the spirit of God moved over the formless void, His creative power was on display. With a single command, “Let there be light!”, darkness was dispelled, and order was brought forth from chaos”.
Reflecting on the relevance of the above to Nigeria’s situation, the cleric noted further that this act of creation was not a random occurrence but a deliberate loving expression of God’s will.’
He added further that such magnificent beginning compels us to ask: How can we live without recognizing the omnipotence of the One who holds all things in His Hands?
The cleric further noted that understanding God as Almighty is crucial for everyone’s daily walk and trust in God even as we continued to look at the negative situation that seem not to stop around us and the nation at large.
He added, “in the face of life’s inevitable challenges, it is this very truth that anchors our faith. We learn that no obstacle is too great, no trial too severe, for a God who can still speak light into our darkest moments”.
Life of worship
After narrating the many seemingly hopeless situations turned around by God, he called on all to respond to God’s almightiness by embracing a life of worship and reverence, living with trust and obedience, reflecting his divine compassion by serving, cultivating a lifestyle of holistic devotion, living as ambassadors of the almighty with a renewed commitment as well as living in the light of the almighty.
While calling on the government to seek the help of the almighty who in the beginning and till date still profess solutions to all problems, Akinfenwa noted that the dynamics of the problem of insecurity in the nation has evolved and if urgent care is not taken, the problem may become so hydra headed and overwhelm the government if it hasn’t.
Nigeria’s economy
Reflecting further he noted the fall of the Nigerian currency which has continued to bring untoward hardship on the vast majority of the members of the nation, calling on the government to arrest the situation.
He added that there can be no economic growth without influx of investment funds and we will do well in this regard if we take a lesson from many economies of the world who operate free economy.
Award for First Class Graduates
In a related devolvement, the Ibadan Anglican Diocese awarded Six first class graduates of the diocese. The six persons who were added to the church hall of fame were awarded two hundred and fifty thousand naira each.
This the chair person of the LOC of the 24th synod, Arc. Gbenga Babington said is aimed at appreciating students who came out in flying colours while encouraging others who are still in school to emulate them.
The six persons awarded included, Oluwafoyinsayemi Deborah Philips who graduated with a class honours in Civil Engineering from Adeleke University, Ede, Osun state, Oluwatosin Timothy Ekundayo who obtained first class in Crop Protection and Environmental Biology from the University of Ibadan, Oreoluwapebomi Enioluwafe Gbotosho who obtained a first in Mechanical Engineering from the Covenant University, Ota Ogun state.
Others awarded include, Deborah Rereloluwa Odutola who obtained first class degree in public health from Lead City University, Ibadan; Dorcas Titilope Orioye, first class Political Science from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun state and Adewale Hassan who obtained his first class in Psychology from the University of Ibadan.
The six awardees were charged to continue to uphold the good legacies of the Diocese and remain good ambassadors of the church.
