Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called on Christian leaders to rise and support the rebuilding of the nation to protect the efforts of past heroes.
Governor Sanwo-Olu made the call in a message to the opening ceremony of the 41st Council of Bishops of Methodist Church Nigeria at the Hoare’s Memorial Methodist Cathedral, Yaba, Lagos.
The governor’s message was delivered by his Chief of Staff, Mr Tayo Ayinde, who stressed that, “At this crucial time, both our nation and the Church need visionary leaders to rise and rebuild lost heritage, history and shared values. Alongside these leaders, we also need men and women who build in and support the vision of those chosen by God to guide us to the next level of greatness. The labour of our past heroes shall not be in vain.”
The governor praised Methodist Church Nigeria for its contribution to education and healthcare in Nigeria, urging other religious groups to emulate it.
“Many leaders across Nigeria’s public and private sectors, both past and present, are either Methodist or products of Methodist missionary schools. More so, the story of healthcare in Nigeria would be incomplete without acknowledging the contributions of Methodist founded hospitals and Methodist institutions such as Wesley Guild Hospital in Ilesha (Osun State), and the Bethesda Hospital in Igede, Benue State,” the governor said.
The Prelate Methodist Church Nigeria, Dr Oliver Aba, said there was need for team work to grow and rebuild Nigeria especially in the face of the current economic challenges.
Dr Aba urged Christians not to lose hope and continue to pray for leaders to take the right action to fix the economy.
“We are enjoined to arise and build through personal commitments, personal sacrifices, collective actions of goodwill and joint prayers, Methodist Church Nigeria must keep on praying to God for a better life for all Nigerians by granting us as a people economic relief in the name of Jesus Christ,” said the Prelate.
Welcoming the Bishops to Lagos, the Archbishop of Lagos Mainland, the Most Rev. Dr. Obafemi Adeleye said it was a privilege to host the 41st Bishops’ Council, urging the clergy to deliberate on important issues affecting the church and the nation.
Methodist Bishops from all over Nigeria are attending the week-long Bishops’ Council in Lagos with the theme, “Arise and Build”.
The Council also had in attendance the Lay President of the Conference, Sir (Ide) Ifeanyi Okechukwu, Prelate Emeritus, Dr Sunday Ola Makinde, and Dr Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu Uche.
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