Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on the church to remain steadfast in defending the values of justice, fairness, integrity and human dignity whenever they are threatened. The governor made the call on Friday while delivering his goodwill message at the Third Session of the Ninth Synod of the Diocese of Lagos West, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), ‘Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said that the church does not belong to any political actor, but to God and to the people, adding that it should remain so.
The governor, who quoted Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, stressed that Lagos and indeed Nigeria was experiencing one of those significant seasons of transition, adding that he was grateful to be in the house of God. He described the house of God as the best place to be at a time like this.
Sanwo-Olu commended the Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, the Rt. Rev’d. Dr. James Odedeji, and the entire members of the church for their commitment to the diocese and the people of Lagos West. He prayed that the church would remain engaged, vigilant, deliberate, intentional, and invested in the life of the community.
He described the Anglican Communion as a builder of society, spreading the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, giving hope to the weary, comforting the broken hearted, wiping away tears in moments of pain and uncertainty and giving victory when citizens earnestly seek it.
Through its churches, schools, hospitals, missions and outreach programmes, the Anglican church had consistently demonstrated the love of Christ in action by shaping minds, nurturing characters, strengthening families and contributing immensely to the moral and spiritual foundation of society, he said.
The governor acknowledged that generations of Lagosians had been positively impacted by the church’s unwavering commitment, compassion and human development.
He said: “The Anglican Communion has truly been such a light in our state and our nation. This Cathedral bearing the name of the revered Archbishop Vining is a symbol of that long and faithful investment in the soul of Lagos. The men and women educated in the Anglican schools across Lagos and Nigeria did not merely acquire certificates; they acquired values, integrity, diligence, service and the understanding that one’s gains are not for one alone but for the betterment of others around him or her. Those values built this city; they served in classrooms, hospitals, courtrooms, government and work places; they served in public institutions and they continue to do so today.”
Reflecting on what his government had done, Sanwo-Olu said: “Long before roads are constructed, schools rehabilitated or hospitals equipped, the church has been shaping values, strengthening families, serving communities and giving people hope and joy. Many of the citizens who serve every day were first taught discipline, compassion, integrity and service at the feet of the church.”
The governor said government may provide infrastructural and public services, but no society could truly prosper without strong moral and spiritual institutions that shape character, inspire hope and uphold values that bind communities together.
