Implementing the teachings of the Christian religion in the practice of politics has been described as the only way to emplace good governance and overcome the security challenges bedeviling Nigeria.
These were the words of the guest speaker at the fund raising, awards night and lecture organised to mark the 40th anniversary of the Owo diocese of the Anglican communion.
Delivering the lecture titled ‘Moving forward: The Role of the Church in Nigeria Politics’, The guest lecturer, Chief Olusola Oke, SAN, who opined that religion and politics are inseparable said the teachings of righteousness and piety propagated by the christian faith should be imbibed by politicians.
According to the senior advocate, “separating the two concepts is myopic… They are not antipodal but complementary”.
The former governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party and the Alliance for Democracy in the 2012 and 2016 Ondo state governorship election respectively, who said church is a veritable platform for Nigeria’s sociopolitical re-engineering, charged Christians to shun sentiments and take active part in politics so as to have a better nation.
The Governor of Ondo state and Chancellor, Owo Anglican Diocese, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, commended the bishop, Rt. Rev. Stephen Fagbemi, and members of the diocese for keeping the flag of faith flying for the past 40 years.
Akeredolu, who was represented by his deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, equally appreciated them for their unalloyed support for his administration and their timely prayers, which he noted has in no small measure contributed to his success story.
In his welcome address, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Wole Olanipekun, SAN, who said Christians still needed to do more in rebuilding the nation advised the gathering to always support good people in politics for better results.
Olanipekun, while congratulating the bishop on the 40th anniversary praised the governor for creating an enabling environment for spiritual growth in the state.
Bishop of the diocese and Chief Host, Rt. Rev. Stephen Fagbemi, who attributed the growth and development of the diocese to the grace of God and the cooperation of all members, acknowledged the contributions of past leaders to the growth of the diocese in the last 40 years.
Speaking on the lecture, Bishop Fagbemi said Christians must strengthen the narrative of their relevance in nation building to fast-track development and engender good governance.
The event also served as an avenue to honour some eminent Nigerians including the Special Adviser to Governor Akeredolu on Union Matters and Special Duties, Dare Aragbaiye, Chief Wole Olanipekun SAN, Chief Tokunbo Ajasin among others.
The chief host noted that the diocese carefully selected the awardees based on their support for the growth of the diocese and the society at large.
Present at the event are clergymen, captains of industries, politicians, and notable individuals from across the country.
