The Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, The Rt. Revd. Dr. James Olusola Odedeji, has called on the Federal Government to prioritise economic reforms that will directly address the growing poverty in Nigeria, even as it celebrates individuals offering exceptional service to the nation, such as sports athletes.
Bishop Odedeji made the appeal on Tuesday August 5 while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 23rd annual holiday camp of the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades of the Diocese, held at the Caroline Adefiola Adebiyi Women Development Centre, Ipaja, Lagos.
While acknowledging the importance of recognising people who make meaningful contribution to the country and bring honour to it like the athletes, the Bishop cautioned against extravagant gestures that is not in tandem with the economic hardship facing millions of Nigerians.
“In the face of the alarming poverty rate in our nation, the amount involved can be diverted to initiatives that uplift the lives of the people,” he said.
“We must appreciate our heroes, but such gestures should be modest and in line with the current economic realities.”
Bishop Odedeji’s remarks come amid growing public debates on national spending priorities, particularly following recent reports of monetary awards to athletes and public figures.
The holiday camp
The Diocese’s annual holiday camp, which runs from 5 to 7 August, has over 1,000 young people from across parishes in the Diocese attending, under the theme; “Be a Beacon of Light”.
The camp, designed to instill christian values, discipline, and leadership skills in young members of the Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades, will feature a mix of activities including Bible study, spiritual exposition, physical drills, campfire sessions, and a digital Bible quiz, powered by the tech-savvy youths within the Diocese.
Next Generation
Chaplain of the Brigades, the Revd Canon Bode Daramola, described the camp as a critical investment in the next generation of leaders and christian witnesses from the Diocese.
“Our core mandate as Brigades is to advance the kingdom of Christ, not only through preaching but by being examples in our communities,” he said.
“When your lifestyle reflects Christ, people are moved to honour your God.”
He encouraged young people to go beyond religious routines and embrace a life of service, humility, and impact.
Mentorship sessions
The camp also includes mentorship sessions, vocational skills demonstrations, and team-building exercises aimed at fostering unity and purpose amongst young people.
Bishop Odedeji, while commending the organisers, volunteers, and parents for their continued investment in the moral and spiritual development of young people, charged participants to imbibe valuable lessons from the camp.
“When you engage in fruit-bearing lifestyle, people are bound to respect your God and honor your God. Everything is not about the pulpit, it’s about how you interact with the community.”
Attendance
The Bishop was joined at the official opening ceremony by the Doocesan brigade, chaplain Canon Daramola, his wife, Iyabo, other zonal chaplains across the Diocese, diocesan head of media, Mr Tunji Oguntuase and other special guests, including a former director of the Lagos state Office of Public Defender, Barr. (Mrs) Omotola Rotimi.