The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Odedeji

  • Rebuilding Nigeria, a collective task – Odedeji

    Anglican Diocesan Bishop of Lagos West Rt Rev. James Odedeji has stated all Nigerians have to unite to take the nation to greater heights.

    He said the task of rebuilding Nigeria should not be left in the hands of politicians alone.

    He stated this while unveiling plans by the Diocese to organise a public debate for governorship candidates in Lagos state.

    The debate, he said, holds tomorrow, stating it is part of the Diocese’s contribution to good governance in Lagos State.

    Odedeji stated about 10 political parties, including the PDP, APC, SDP, ADC have indicated interests to participate in the debate.

    He informed others are likely to indicate interest before the deadline set by the planning committee.

    “We do not want our people, all residents and voters in the state to act in ignorance since the consequence could be catastrophic.

    “We expect the candidates to tell all Lagosians their plans on social services, taxation, the economy, tackling corruption, among other things they will do for the state if elected,” Odedeji said.

    While reiterating the Diocese is organising the debate with soliciting or receiving any form of financing or logistics, Odedeji said it is solely funded by the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West in collaboration with Dioceses of Lagos, Badagry and Lagos Mainland.

    “Towards ensuring that the debate retains its integrity, we have invited the organized private sector, other Christians and other religious bodies to witness the debate.

    “The panel is made up of media practitioners both in electronic and print media,” he said.

  • Tackle insecurity, Odedeji urges FG

    The Bishop of Lagos West Diocese Anglican Communion, Rt Rev James Odedeji, has called for complete overhaul of the nation’s security apparatuses to tackle the worrisome surge in criminalities.

    Delivering his presidential speech at the 1st session of the 7th synod of the church, Odedeji said it has become apparent the security agencies were in dire needs of fresh leaderships and brains.

    He also appealed to the federal government to support State Policing for effective collection of intelligence and security among communities across the nation.

    Odedeji said: “The truth must be told that our government is not doing enough to ensure security of lives and property which our leaders swore to protect.

    “A lot of fund is being yearly appropriated on defense, yet, security issues continue unabated.

    “The Federal Government spokesman continues to assuret he nation that the Boko Haram insurgents had been decimated, however, recent events are proving to the contrary.

    “The members of the sect not only engage on soft target bombing but also invade villages, killing and maiming people and destroying their properties.

    “Government must consider an immediate overhaul of the current security architecture, to inject new officers into the headship of the Military and Police leadership.

    “We therefore lend our voice to those that had been calling for State Police, to enhance intelligence gathering and proper policing of communities.”

    He informed of giant strides in the Diocese in the last one years, noting that several archdeaconries have commissioned new buildings and churches have been established, leading to massive expansion of Kingdom works.

    He pointed out not less than 10 new churches were named with many more conducting foundation laying ceremonies.

    He also reported the Cathedral and the Christian Mothers’ leadership floated scholarship schemes to help indigent students.

    No fewer than 45 students across higher institutions have benefitted from the scheme, Odedeji stated.

    On the theme of the synod, my help comes from the Lord, Odedeji urged Nigerians not to rely on the hill of money, position, connection, knowledge and achievements but only on God.

  • Tackle insecurity, Odedeji urges FG

    The Bishop of Lagos West Diocese Anglican Communion, Rt Rev James Odedeji, has called for complete overhaul of the nation’s security apparatuses to tackle the worrisome surge in criminalities.

    Delivering his presidential speech at the first session of the 7th synod of the church, Odedeji said it has become apparent the security agencies were in dire needs of fresh leaderships and brains.

    He also appealed to the federal government to support State Policing for effective collection of intelligence and security among communities across the nation.

    Odedeji said: “The truth must be told that our government is not doing enough to ensure security of lives and property which our leaders swore to protect.

    “A lot of fund is being yearly appropriated on defense, yet, security issues continue unabated.

    “The Federal Government spokesman continues to assuret he nation that the Boko Haram insurgents had been decimated, however, recent events are proving to the contrary.

    “The members of the sect not only engage on soft target bombing but also invade villages, killing and maiming people and destroying their properties.

    “Government must consider an immediate overhaul of the current security architecture, to inject new officers into the headship of the Military and Police leadership.

    “We therefore lend our voice to those that had been calling for State Police, to enhance intelligence gathering and proper policing of communities.”

    He informed of giant strides in the Diocese in the last one years, noting that several archdeaconries have commissioned new buildings and churches have been established, leading to massive expansion of Kingdom works.

    He pointed out not less than 10 new churches were named with many more conducting foundation laying ceremonies.

    He also reported the Cathedral and the Christian Mothers’ leadership floated scholarship schemes to help indigent students.

    No fewer than 45 students across higher institutions have benefitted from the scheme, Odedeji stated.

    On the theme of the synod, my help comes from the Lord, Odedeji urged Nigerians not to rely on the hill of money, position, connection, knowledge and achievements but only on God.

  • Bishop Odedeji: let’s seek the face of God

    Bishop Odedeji: let’s seek the face of God

    Bishop of Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Lagos West Dr. James Olusola Odedeji, has  called on Nigerians to resolve to serve God and invite him to intervene in the country’s affairs.

    The cleric said Nigeria needed the “message of repentance, salvation, unity and peace at this point more than  any other.”

    He added: “Factors such as ethnicity, religious diversity, class and the knowledge divide that could have been harnessed to propel the country in the collective urge to join the league of advanced countries keep impeding its development, despite the abundance of resources that the good Lord has endowed the most populous black country with.

    “Rather than walk together to the glory of God, Nigerians pull in different directions, thereby leading to stunted growth and degeneration.

    “While giving thanks to God for delivering us during the year from the Ebola scourge that threatened to sink the ship of state, we need to draw closer to him, remove the filthy garment of unrighteousness and get clothed with his righteousness, because, as the Holy Scriptures say, righteousness exalts a nation.”