Adebayo Adenrele
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry C. Ndukuba, has expressed concern over the growing erosion of societal values, warning that materialism and self-interest are threatening the moral values of the nation.
Archbishop Ndukuba, who lamented that society has come to measure people by wealth and status rather than integrity and service, recalled the wisdom passed down by early missionaries, stressing that such values are being replaced by greed and selfish leadership.
He noted that many individuals given opportunities to lead in different spheres of society often prioritize personal gain over the welfare of the people, urging Nigerians to reconsider their understanding of leadership by returning to God with sincerity of heart.
The Archbishop stated this on Monday during a courtesy visit to the palace of Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Rufus Aladesanmi ahead of the Standing Committee of the Church slated to be held in the state capital.
The Primate sought for the blessings of the Royal Father and promised that the Church will continue to pray and partner with the throne in ensuring that there is stability of peace and harmony in Ekiti.
His words, “We can see that people are so materialistic now, that everything is monetized. People are measured by the amount of wealth they control, the higher position they occupy. And even when people are given opportunities to lead in different spheres, many have used such opportunities to seek their own well-being rather than the well-being of the people.
“And therefore, I think that something is wrong somewhere. Our values are being changed not for good, but rather for the worse.
“At such a time as this, we are asking that people need to reconsider their understanding of leadership and their understanding of helping the people. That cannot be in the right perspective except if you turn to God with your heart”.
In his remarks, Oba Aladesanmi hailed the impact of the Church in the society, saying their visit to Ekiti is an indication that the state is divinely endorsed by God.
The Monarch, who reiterated his commitment to supporting the church, urged them to continue to pray for the state and the current political dispensation under the leadership of Governor Biodun Oyebanji, so that the residents can thrive.
