• Religion dividing rather than uniting, says bishop
• ‘Leaders need to rule with fear of God’
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged Nigerians to work and pray for the country’s progress.
Besides, he implored the citizens to daily x-ray how they contribute to help the nation prosper, especially as the country celebrates its 61st Independence anniversary.
The governor, who stated this, yesterday, during an interdenominational service at Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, to commemorate Nigeria’s 61st Independence Day, with the theme, “Righteousness exalts a nation,” further said that citizens must do what is right, display fairness in their deeds and actions and promote justice and equity for the nation to be on the path to progress.
He also asked Nigerians not to give up despite all the challenges, as they would soon be a thing of the past.
Sanwo-Olu, who stated that despite the pandemic and the #EndSARS protest, the state was able to weather the storm and come out stronger, thanked religious, political and traditional rulers for supporting and praying for the state.
Commenting on the controversy around Value Added Tax (VAT), the governor maintained that it is about justice and equity, saying if Lagos State gets more fund, he and his team would be able to do more, especially in the provision of infrastructure.
MEANWHILE, in his sermon, Diocesan Bishop of Lagos Mainland (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. Akinpelu Johnson, noted that Nigeria is at a crossroad and the difficulties are felt on every side.
He said despite this, God holds the future for the country and the future of the country is assured.
Bishop Johnson noted that religion, rather playing the role of uniting Nigerians, has been a tool dividing them. He said that the church had been part of the problem by failing to inculcate moral values in the congregants.
He said that the calls for Biafra and Oduduwa nations were products of perceived injustices in the land, noting that if something is not done to halt the perceived injustices, the 1914 amalgamation might be reversed.
SMlILARLY, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, yesterday charged residents of the state and Nigerians in general, to keep praying for Oyo State and the country to address present challenges.
Makinde, who stated this during a special thanksgiving service to commemorate Nigeria’s 61st Independence anniversary, held at the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, Ibadan, said that despite the myriad of challenges facing the country, all hope is not lost.
The governor, who was represented at the event by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun, said that residents of the state should continue to support and pray for his government to succeed in its avowed determination to uplift the state.
In his sermon, Provost of the Cathedral, Very Revd. Adewale Adebiyi, urged leaders in the country to rule with absolute fear of God.
He maintained that Nigerian leaders should continue to live and lead in accordance with “God’s injunctions.”
He also admonished leaders to uphold justice and fairness on all issues.
