Francesca Odimgbe
The Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has urged leaders and public office holders to be honest, transparent and accountable to the people and God.
He described governance as a sacred stewardship, noting that “It is for this reason that I have, throughout my service to Lagos State, sought to govern with the consciousness that public office is a stewardship that will be examined both in time and in eternity.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was accompanied by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, spoke at the official opening of the second session of the 36th Synod of the Diocese of Lagos, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), held at Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, on Monday.
Speaking on the theme of the synod, “The Doctrine of Salvation (Soteriology) and the Doctrine of End-Time (Eschatology): Their Relevance and Our Response to Them Today”, Governor Sanwo-Olu said it is one of the most profound and timely subjects upon which the Church can deliberate in this season of Nigeria’s national journey.
He said: “In a country where many of our citizens are wrestling with anxiety about the future, where the global economy is uncertain, and where the cost of living continues to test the resolve of even the strongest families, the message of salvation and the assurance of the blessed hope of Christ’s return are not abstract doctrines. They are bread for the hungry soul. They are the lamp by which a weary nation finds her feet.
“Soteriology reminds us that we are saved, not by our works, lest any man should boast (Ephesians 2:8-9), but by the grace and finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ. Eschatology reminds us that this present age is passing and that we shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ to give account of our stewardship (2 Corinthians 5:10).
“Salvation is therefore not an escape from the world; it is a posture in the world. It teaches us to live soberly in our personal lives, righteously in our dealings with others, and godly in our relationship with our Maker — even as we await His glorious appearance.
“This, in my humble understanding, is the foundation of every genuine reform, every honest budget, every transparent contract, and every life of public service. Without that anchor, leadership becomes a private enterprise; however, with it, leadership becomes a sacred trust.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu congratulated the Diocesan Bishop, The Rt. Revd. Dr. Ifedola Okupevi, on the Synod and thanked him for the consistent prayers, counsel, and pastoral guidance he and the Church have extended to his administration since the day he assumed office.
The Governor also spoke passionately to the synod delegates and visitors, which comprised bishops, priests and members of the laity, about his administration’s giant strides in Lagos through the THEMES Plus Agenda – Traffic Management and Transportation; Health and Environment; Education and Technology; Making Lagos a 21st Century Economy; Entertainment and Tourism; and Security and Governance, with the “Plus” representing sustainability, social inclusion and the welfare of every Lagosian.
Governor Sanwo-Olu also commended President Bola Tinubu for his courage to embark on several reforms, which have led to positive development in Nigeria. He urged the people of the Diocese of Lagos and indeed the wider body of Christ in the country to continue to pray for the President, institutions, and every leader entrusted with public office.
In his Presidential Address to the Synod, the Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos, Rt. Revd. Dr. Ifedola Okupevi, said, “As we reflect on the twin themes of Soteriology and Eschatology, we are reminded that our salvation in Christ is both a present reality and a future hope.”
The Bishop praised the Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration for infrastructure and public service delivery, noting that “Lagos State continues to record encouraging progress in transportation, infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic development.”
Bishop Okupevi also charged the church to be an active participant in the forthcoming 2027 general elections. “As we move toward 2027, I charge you to be watchful. Do not sell your voter’s card; your voice is your power. Be prayerful and engage in fervent prayer against the spirit of greed, violence and division. Be peacemakers. Reject violence and ethnic manipulation; we are Nigerians and children of God.
“As the Church, we must not be silent. We must pray fervently, speak boldly and act justly. Let us remember: ‘Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people’ (Proverbs 14:34).”
During the synod, gifts were presented to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Christian Matters, Very Revd. Bukola Adeleke, for attending the synod and supporting the Church.