Adebayo Adenrele
The Bishop of the Diocese of Awori, Revd Johnson Atere has called on Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, political actors and leaders across the country to prioritise national interest over frivolities.
Atere emphasized, who emphasized that the country is at a critical point where many Nigerian youths now prefer seeking opportunities in neighboring countries, urged the political leaders to address the worrying trend.
The Cleric also condemned the rise of ungodly practices in society, particularly rituals carried out in the name of worship, urging Christians to rise as voices of truth and righteousness.
Atere stated this at the Cathedral Church of Emmanuel, Ado-Ekiti, Diocese of Ekiti State, during the consecration of Rev’d Adebola Adedeji Ojofeitimi and Venerable Samuel Adekunle Ogungbeju as the Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Ilesa South-West and Bishop of Osun North East Diocese, by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba.
He also called on bishops and church leaders to rise to their divine responsibility as watchmen who drive change and mission, rather than remaining passive or self-serving.
His words, “There is hope for Nigeria, but we must remain steadfast in prayer for the Church and the nation at large. Today, all manners of rituals are perpetrated in the name of worship and the sanctity of marriage is no longer upheld.
“We now defend practices that suit our desires, calling concubines ‘mistresses.’ Such trends must stop if we truly want a better society.
“We must not keep silent in the face of corruption and decline. If we do, we betray our God. Our children are leaving for countries like Ghana and Niger in search of hope. This must end. Politicians, Church leaders must rise to their calling as watchmen, not sleepers, and ensure their leadership fosters mission and positive change, not selfish interests.
“Their leadership must foster mission, change rather than their selfish interest, you are Watchmen, not sleepers”.
During the service, Primate Ndukuba charged the Bishops to accept the discipline of the Church, exercise his authority faithfully and support future bishops in their ministries.
