… Lagos governor calls for honesty, transparency as Anglican Diocese praises administration’s strides
By Rashidat Okunlade
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has charged leaders and public office holders across Nigeria to embrace honesty, transparency, and accountability in the discharge of their duties, describing governance as a sacred stewardship that will ultimately be judged by both man and God.
Speaking on Monday at the opening of the 36th Synod of the Diocese of Lagos, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), held at Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, the governor said public office demands a consciousness that transcends political expediency.
“It is for this reason that I have, throughout my service to Lagos State, sought to govern with the consciousness that public office is a stewardship that will be examined both in time and in eternity,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor, who was accompanied by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, addressed the synod’s theme: “The Doctrine of Salvation (Soteriology) and the Doctrine of End-Time (Eschatology): Their Relevance and Our Response to Them Today.”
He described the theme as profoundly timely for Nigeria’s current national trajectory, noting that many citizens grapple with anxiety over the future amid global economic uncertainty and rising living costs.
“Soteriology reminds us that we are saved, not by our works, lest any man should boast, but by the grace and finished work of our Lord Jesus Christ,” Sanwo-Olu said. “Eschatology reminds us that this present age is passing and that we shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ to give account of our stewardship.”
He argued that salvation is not an escape from the world but a posture within it—teaching leaders to live soberly, deal righteously, and govern as a sacred trust rather than a private enterprise.
“This, in my humble understanding, is the foundation of every genuine reform, every honest budget, every transparent contract, and every life of public service,” he said. “Without that anchor, leadership becomes a private enterprise; however, with it, leadership becomes a sacred trust.”
The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for his courage in undertaking key reforms, which he said have set the nation on a path of positive development. He urged the diocese and the wider Christian community to sustain prayers for the President and all public office holders.
In his presidential address, the Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos, Rt. Revd. Dr. Ifedola Okupevi, acknowledged significant progress recorded by the Sanwo-Olu administration across multiple sectors.
“Lagos State continues to record encouraging progress in transportation, infrastructure, healthcare, education and economic development,” Okupevi said.
Looking ahead to the 2027 general elections, the bishop charged church members to be active participants in the democratic process.
“As we move toward 2027, I charge you to be watchful. Do not sell your voter’s card; your voice is your power,” Okupevi said. “Be prayerful and engage in fervent prayer against the spirit of greed, violence and division. Be peacemakers. Reject violence and ethnic manipulation; we are Nigerians and children of God.”
He added, “As the Church, we must not be silent. We must pray fervently, speak boldly and act justly. Let us remember: ‘Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people.”
The synod continues through the week with prayers, deliberations, and pastoral sessions for clergy and laity across the diocese.
