The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu has called on Christian leaders in the state to rededicate themselves as agents of change for a greater Nigeria.
The Governor made the call at a special event tagged Greater Nigeria Project organised by the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria to welcome the National President of the body Bishop Francis Wale Oke to the state on Apostolic visit.
The Governor in his goodwill message personally delivered by him expressed his firm belief in a dream and vision of a greater Nigeria.
Quoting Isaiah 43.19, the Governor assured that the Lord would surely do a new thing in Nigeria, saying “It tells us that ‘Behold I will do new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert’. That is the promise of God for us and our nation.
The governor was of the view that before the promises could come into manifestation, Nigerians must also prepare to rededicate themselves to the new vision and aspiration.
He added, “Before we can enjoy the manifestation of this newness, we must be renewed and transformed completely by fully rededicating ourselves as agent of change for a greater Nigeria. A national change that we seek must begin inside each and every one of us. A transformed Nigeria will not happen without transformed Nigerians.
Governor Sanwoolu who flew in directly from Abuja to be part of the meeting earlier congratulated the leadership of the body for a well organised event, and assured that the conference should bring about the expected changes not only in Nigeria but also in Lagos State.
“I am delighted to join the national president of the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria His Eminence Bishop Francis Wale Oke, and other eminent ministers of God present here with us today for the 5th edition of the Greater Nigeria Project aimed at reviving and strengthening the Pentecostal body and for more effective roles for the end time.
“It is my belief that the prayers of this gathering of anointed men and women of God, accomplished ministers of God will bring about transformational intervention of God in the affairs of our nation.”
Governor Sanwoolu, touching on the theme of the event, A Greater Nigeria, A New Dawn, Revival and Transformation, said, “The theme of this conference is very timely and significant for a nation like ours as it is destined for true greatness and that we must continue to press further in the face of many obstacles towards the unshakable greatness that our nation is known for, and we must never be slowed or ashamed to seek divine help on the journey,” quoting as Psalm 127 verse 1.
“As important as our work as nation builders is, that is, from our various sectors and walks of life we must always acknowledge the place of the almighty God in bringing blessings and great impacts to the works, otherwise all of these will be in vain. The new dawn that awaits the nation Nigeria will not happen by human labour, or striving or wisdom alone.”
Call Electoral Participation
The Governor was also very quick to charge Christians in Lagos State to awake to their civic duties and responsibilities.
“Christianity calls on us to give unto God what is due to Him and unto Caesar what is due to Caesar, as children of the Most High God we have as civil obligation and responsibility just as important as the spiritual commandment and principles which we are expected to live and be led with. I think we can say that civic participation is a spiritual duty, meaning that electoral participation is also a spiritual duty. I also call on us as clerics and Christian leaders to also call on our congregation to educate our people on the importance of shunning violence during this period.
Stewardship
He also took the advantage to intimate Lagosians on his works in progress in various parts of the state.
He said, “In Lagos God has asked us to use our position to change lives. God has asked us to use this position responsibly to be able to connect to the heavenlies and change the course of man, and to be able to have critical and meaningful developments in all nooks and crannies of our state so that indeed people can hold us accountable, and see how well we have used the opportunity.
“As a government and as a child of God, who understands and appreciates the importance of God giving you this position, I can assure you, I will never abuse it, I will never misuse it, I will ensure that the greatest good is for the greatest number. I will ensure that whatever is due to A would never be given to B. I will ensure that there are level playing grounds for all and sundry.
“Greater Lagos is Achievable”
“All which I am asking for and I am hoping for is for you to join us that as a Greater Nigeria is, a Greater Lagos is also achievable, and for all those things we are doing we are on our journey to a greater Lagos.
“We promised our people two years ago that we were going to do the impossible, that we were going to be audacious, and that we are going to set new frontlines, and that we are beginning to see. People never believed that they would see a train, that trains can happen in their generation, the trains are coming, they have arrived, and you see train, you see rail in our state. People never believed we would complete Badagry Express Way, the completion is coming and people are beginning to see the benefit of what it is.
“People never believed we can build new schools, that we can see end of Covid, that it can be a thing of the past, it was a big lesson for us, we thank God that even in a pandemic we were able to turn things around, and we are beginning to see the greatness of God in our state.
“I want to appeal to you because I know there is construction in almost all parts of the state, it is what you deserve, as we are doing in Ikorodu, we are doing in Epe, we are doing in Ikorodu, we are doing in Amuwo, and we are doing in Ikeja, in Badagry, and Victoria Island, Ikoyi, and Ajao Estate here, and in all nooks and crannies of the state. I promise I will continue to serve you with every fibre in my body.”
Appreciation
The Governor also appreciated the Lagos Christian community.
“Let me appreciate the entire leadership of PFN for extending this invitation to me to address you today and for your constant supports and prayers for all of us in Lagos State; the successes and progress Lagos was enjoying was due to prayers and intercessions on our behalf and your generous wisdom and counsel at all times.
“I wish to covet for more prayers as we move towards the general elections in 2023. I also implore us to use our pulpit and influence to enlighten members of our various congregations about the importance of taking part in our electoral process, assessing the various candidates and their manifestoes, going out to vote for credible and competent candidates and holding them accountable to those in authority.
“I salute your dedication I salute your commitment through the organisation of this annual event the 5th in the series. It is our prayer that the Almighty God in His infinite mercies will keep every one of us to witness many more of this in the future. I also pray that at the end of this year’s edition, we will be able to look back and say it is the beginning of something new and a transformation for ourselves and for our country Nigeria.
The Chairman of PFN in the state Apostle Enyinnaya Okwuonu used the advantage to present a gift to the governor, his wife and the Chairman of Christian Association in the state.
Earlier the one day event had featured sessions of teachings, prayers and worship.
Present were foremost leaders within the Pentecostal circle among which was the president of the body Bishop Francis Wale Oke, Bishop John Praise, the Deputy National President, Archbishop John Osa Oni, Bisho Stephen Adegbite, Chairman of CAN in Lagos State, Rev. Toyin Kehinde, the South West Secretary of PFN, and the state officials and members across the state.
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