Rt. Rev. James Odedeji, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West, has issued a resounding call to action for Nigerian leaders and citizens, urging them to awaken from their slumber and confront the myriad challenges plaguing the nation. Speaking at the Ninth Diocesan Synod, held at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral in Ikeja, Bishop Odedeji highlighted the pressing issues of insecurity, corruption, and the escalating cost of living, emphasizing the urgent need for decisive action and moral clarity. Drawing on the Synod’s theme, “Be a Beacon of Light,” he challenged leaders to exemplify selflessness and integrity in these trying times, urging them to illuminate the path forward amidst the darkness of societal ills. He stressed that the Synod served as a divine reminder of the transformative role Christians are called to play, rejecting conformity and embracing their responsibility to shape a better future.
Bishop Odedeji expressed deep concern over the precarious state of the Nigerian economy, pointing to the alarming devaluation of the naira and the subsequent rise in social unrest. He implored both federal and state governments to implement immediate measures to alleviate the suffering of the Nigerian populace, emphasizing the critical need for policies that address the root causes of economic hardship. While acknowledging the infrastructure development and urban planning initiatives undertaken by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in Lagos State, the Bishop stressed that these advancements must be accompanied by substantial social investment to tangibly improve the lives of ordinary Lagosians. He further called on all branches of government within the state to prioritize unity and stability, warning that political discord could undermine the progress achieved thus far.
Beyond the economic sphere, Bishop Odedeji addressed the broader societal challenges facing Nigeria, condemning the alarming rise of internet fraud, ritual killings, and the erosion of moral values among the youth. He emphasized the importance of the Synod’s theme as a clarion call to rediscover purpose, values, and capabilities, empowering individuals to become agents of positive change within their communities. He reiterated that Christians are called to be beacons of light, illuminating a world often shrouded in selfishness, deception, and despair. He urged a return to core Christian values, advocating for a faith that is lived authentically, where actions align with preached principles.
The Bishop extended his call for action beyond Nigeria’s borders, urging African nations to diversify their economies beyond reliance on oil and to embrace technological advancements to bolster local production. He emphasized the need for innovation and adaptability in a rapidly changing global landscape, advocating for economic strategies that promote self-sufficiency and sustainable growth. This diversification, he argued, is crucial for mitigating the vulnerabilities inherent in dependence on fluctuating global commodity prices and for creating a more resilient economic foundation for the continent.
Returning to the role of the church, Bishop Odedeji implored Christians to reclaim their identity as agents of truth and righteousness. He cautioned against reducing Christianity to mere outward displays of piety, emphasizing the need for a deeper, more transformative faith. He called for a movement of light-bearers, individuals who embody the principles they espouse, living testimonies to the power of faith. He stressed that true Christianity requires not just adherence to doctrine but a genuine commitment to living out the values of love, compassion, and justice in everyday life.
The Ninth Diocesan Synod, concluding with a thanksgiving service at the diocesan headquarters in Ikeja, serves as a pivotal moment for reflection, challenge, and hope. Bishop Odedeji’s powerful message resonates beyond the confines of the church, offering a roadmap for navigating the complex challenges confronting Nigeria and the broader African continent. His call for awakening, for decisive action, and for a renewed commitment to moral principles provides a framework for building a more just, equitable, and prosperous future. The Synod’s theme, “Be a Beacon of Light,” serves as a constant reminder of the responsibility that rests upon individuals, communities, and nations to illuminate the path forward, dispelling the darkness and embracing the transformative power of hope.
