The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu, has described the Lagos West Diocese of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion as a worthy companion in the development of the state.
He spoke at the 10th anniversary celebration of the episcopacy of the Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Rev. James Olusola Odedeji.
The event took place on Saturday at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, GRA, Ikeja, Lagos.
Sanwo-Olu was represented at the event by his Special Adviser on Religion, Rev. Bukola Adeleke.
He said: “The Lagos West Diocese of the Anglican Communion has been a part of us as a government.
“We acknowledge the worthy role faith-based organisations have been playing in the development of the state.
“Your diocese particularly has been at the forefront of promoting peace in Lagos.
“It’s only when there is peace in the society that we can talk about development.”
The Lagos State Governor said the last decade in the diocese has yielded great dividend under the leadership of Bishop Odedeji.
He noted that the diocese has contributed tremendously to education, health and welfare of the people of Lagos.
“We recognise these investments in the state and we are thankful that the Bishop has made himself available to serve,” the Governor said.
Sanwo-Olu also commended the wife of the Bishop, Dr. Lydia Odedeji, for playing very strategic roles in making the last 10 years in the diocese a fruitful one, while also wishing the bishop more fruitful years.
In his message at the event, The Rt. Rev. Abel Ajibodu urged Bishop Odedeji not to relent in the good works that God had enabled him to do in the diocese.
Making copious reference to scriptures, Ajibodu said, the Bishop can’t afford to lose focus.
He said Odedeji has been used greatly by God in the spiritual emancipation of the diocese of Lagos West, adding: “I bear witness to the great programmes that you have initiated to make this diocese a spiritually vibrant diocese.
“One cannot make all these investment and not be rewarded by God.”
Making allusion to Apostle Paul, Ajibodu said God is the one who is the examiner of our works.
He itemised some principles of leadership which he said are important for any leader to succeed.
The Primate of the Anglican Church, The Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, in his goo will message in a documentary relayed at the event described Bishop Odedeji as a dependable servant of God whose ministry has been a great blessing to the Anglican Communion.
The former Primate of the Church, Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, described Odedeji as a testimony of what God can do with a young man.
Okoh said when he was elected, there was apprehension that he might mess up the work, “but he has proved us wrong.
“For one, there has been no crisis in the diocese since he came on board.
“His work has been excellent.
“He has great humility.”
An industrialist, Chief Segun Osunkeye, described Odedeji as a man of God whose work has made the diocese one of the largest in the Church of Nigeria.
A former High Court Judge, Hon. Babasola Ogunade, said Odedeji improved on what his predecessor left behind.
The event, which lasted for about three hours, attracted many dignitaries, captains of industry and clergymen from across Nigeria.