In a powerful and uncompromising message to the nation, the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West, The Right Reverend Dr. James Olusola Odedeji, has issued a stern warning against poor governance, deepening national hardship, and global injustice, calling on leaders to be beacons of light in these dark and trying times.
He spoke in his presidential address at the Synod of the diocese held at Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral GRA, Ikeja, Lagos State on Friday.
Odedeji painted a sobering picture of a nation on the brink—troubled by corruption, insecurity, and moral decline—while urging both leaders and citizens to embrace integrity, compassion, and selfless service.
Stressing the theme of the Synod: “Be a Beacon of Light,” the Bishop emphasised that the times call for courageous leadership and moral clarity, not silence or compromise.
He said: “We are summoned by God’s Word to shine as light in a world clouded by selfishness, deception, and despair.
“This Synod is a divine reminder that we are not called to conform, but to transform.”
Odedeji lamented the worsening cost of living crisis, alarming depreciation of the naira, and pervasive atmosphere of hopelessness, while urging both the federal and state governments to respond urgently to the cries of the people.
On Lagos State, the Bishop commended the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration for strides in infrastructural development and urban planning, but emphasised that these efforts must be matched with meaningful social investment.
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He also appealed to political players in the state not to allow for instability, urging the three arms of government to work together, sink their differences, and make the state greater.
The Bishop equally raised grave concerns about the moral direction of society, highlighting the rise of internet fraud, ritual killings, and moral relativism among the youth.
He said: “This year’s synod theme is a definition of who God has called us to be in the world.
“It is a call to identify our purpose, value, capability, empowerment and mandate to influence the world for God.”
Odedeji also used the platform to speak out on global issues, urging African countries to diversify their economy beyond oil and boost local production.
He also appealed to the continent not to sit on the fence, urging it to leverage on global technological advancement.
Addressing the Nigerian Church directly, Bishop Odedeji urged Christians to reclaim their identity as agents of truth and righteousness.
He said: “Christianity in Nigeria must not be reduced to noise, crowds, and emotion.
“It must become a movement of light-bearers.
“We must live what we preach and preach what we live.”
Bishop Odedeji charged the clergy and laity alike to renew their commitment to holiness, humility, and service, especially in these perilous times.
“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven,” he quoted from Matthew 5:16, stressing that the Church’s relevance will be measured by how brightly it shines in a broken world.
The second session of the ninth Synod of the diocese will end on Sunday with a thanksgiving service at the diocesan headquarters at Ikeja GRA, Lagos.
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