Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged Nigerians, especially Christians to pray to God, serve and do their best for the growth of their respective faith, state and the nation.
At the official opening ceremony of the second Session of the 34th Synod of the Diocese of Lagos, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) at Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, Governor Sanwo-Olu said COVID-19 has shown in reality that people need to pray and implored the people of Lagos State to continue praying.
The governor, who disclosed that Monday September 7, 2020 would be the first day in over six months that he is entering into the “House of the Lord,’ thanked God for sparing his life and millions of Lagos residents especially members of the Diocese of Lagos to witness this year’s Synod even as Lagos State continues to see reduction in the numbers of confirmed cases of coronavirus.
Stressing the need for Christians to pray and serve in reference to the Synod theme “Pray, Serve and Grow” with Romans 12:11 as reference scripture, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the theme of the Synod was timely adding that, for all to build a ‘Greater Lagos’ there is need for people to pray to God, serve and do their best for the growth of the State.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who started his Goodwill Message with songs and appreciation to God, said: “Following the rude, unexpected and difficult events of COVID – 19 witnessed by all in Year 2020 beginning from early December 2019 in Wuhan city of China, there can not be a better befitting theme for the Synod than to “Pray, Serve and Grow.
“We are to pray in order to acknowledge our limitations as human beings because God remains sovereign. He remains the Supreme God; He knows it all and he is in charge of all circumstances we human beings might face.
“Service to the Lord is serving one another; it is about loving one another, supporting one another. Serving the Lord is serving one another in active ingredients of the work of our faith, which without one another, we are all dead as said James 2:17 ‘Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.’
“It is therefore pertinent to say that we can surely grow spiritually and in every wise, when we pray and serve the Lord. As we begin to regain our lives again as a Church, State and nation, the best way possible for us is to stand on our feet and to stand resolute in faith and believing that God is always with us”the governor stated.
Governor Sanwo-Olu commended all the frontline workers for their readiness to serve the State passionately during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Service in the context of the times we are in and in line with Apostle Paul’s admonition to the Romans to serve eagerly and earnestly is being exemplified by our frontline health workers who have remained steadfast in offering selfless service even at the risk of their lives and those of their families,” he said.
The Governor also commended religious leaders in Lagos State, especially the Diocese of Lagos for their support and cooperation in ensuring strict adherence to the directive of the State government in respect of COVID 19 pandemic.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, said despite over 18,000 people testing positive to coronavirus infection, the State recorded less than two per cent fatality.
He however, commiserated and sympathised with the families, congregation, friends and people of all faiths and tribes that lost their loved ones during the pandemic.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also appreciated all the good works of the Diocesan and Missioner of Diocese of Lagos, The Rt. Rev Humphrey Olumakaiye and promised to contribute his quota to the ongoing Centenary City project of Diocese of Lagos as a member of the diocese, noting that “Anglican Communion, especially the Diocese of Lagos is a church with foresight and a pacesetter in holistic evangelism.”
In his address, Bishop Humphrey Olumakaiye, who described Governor Sanwo-Olu as indefatigable and result oriented, said the governor had approved the construction of the road leading to the Centenary City of the Diocese and mobilised contractors to move to site.
He also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu for showing leadership in managing the COVID-19 pandemic in Lagos State as well as delivering on some of his campaign promises in line with “Greater Lagos” agenda, which is being carried out through the T.H.E.M.E.S. developmental agenda of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration.
Also speaking at the event, Primate and Metropolitan of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev Henry Ndukuba, who was represented by the Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, Rt. Revd. Olusola Odedeji, wished the Diocese of Lagos a fruitful synod and also commended Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
The Dean Emeritus and the immediate past Bishop of Diocese of Lagos, Most Rev Ephraim Ademowo commended Bishop Olumakaiye for the great works he is doing in the diocese, noting that he is happy that the incumbent bishop has taken the Diocese of Lagos to a greater height.