Speeches

3rd Annual Synod Of Methodist Church Nigeria

Apr 24, 2009 - We, who are gathered here today for this exciting third annual synod of our church, know the wonderful and uplifting feeling and sense of belonging that we often experience at such occasions. How reassured we are after every fellowship in the house of God; the longing feeling that makes us want to come here always to pray and renew our pledges to be loving parents, diligent community leaders and workers in our respective offices. This is how the church through the ages has become an agent of change for the good of everyone of us and the progress of society. But can we honestly say that we are ready to continue this God-ordained roles to our generation, especially now in the face of the challenging global economic meltdown?

Distinguished men and women of God, ladies and gentlemen, my point is that the time has come for us to take our religious practices beyond the four walls of our churches to the outside world. It is therefore my very great pleasure to always honour your invitation because of my respect for this institution and the great place the church occupies in our society.

The role of the Church in contributing to societal harmony is in greater need now than before, because of the social dislocation likely to arise from the global economic meltdown. Like most institutions and organisations, which are taking measures on the crisis, the Church will therefore be expected to rise to the occasion and provide leadership to its numerous flock. I wish to note that you have however showed insight and wisdom in your choice of theme for this year’s Synod aptly entitled, “The Church in a Troubled World”, the theme is no doubt instructive and appropriate, especially taking into consideration our present need as a people for spiritual, social and moral rejuvenation in the service of our fatherland.

Do we need any seer to tell us that these are indeed challenging times for us? Are we helpless? My answer is No! Yes, these are indeed troubled times, yet we as a people are resilient, we have the capacity to weather the storm, we cannot give up because that is not an option. I am confident that with the kind of spirit I can see in all of you, we are going to make it.

Let me congratulate the Prelate of Methodist Church in Nigeria, Dr. Sunday Ola Makinde, Archbishop of Lagos, Most Rev. J.S. Ajayi, Diocesan Bishop, Rt. Revd. Isaac Ayo Olawuyi, Synod Secretary, the very Rev. S.A. Adegbite and the congregation of the Church present at this opening ceremony of the year 2009 Synod.

I would use this opportunity to urge you to see this year’s Synod as another opportunity to remind our brothers and sisters of their obligations and duties as members of a larger community whose cooperation and support would complement government’s efforts at ensuring sanity, security and growth in the society. We regard our religious leaders as partners in governance because they are saddled with the responsibility of admonishing the congregation to be law-abiding and shun criminal tendencies that pose a threat to the security of the State. I can not but repeat my appeal that the Church can also act as partners to the government by preaching against lawlessness, corruption, disorderliness, disobedience that often clog the wheel of progress and stability in our nation.

Over the years, you have proved yourself to be a leading figure in the Christian movement in this nation. You have been committed to raising God–fearing people. This commitment to the spiritual upliftment, welfare and well-being of your members has in no small measure contributed to the critical roles your members have been playing in the socio-economic development of our State and nation.

Let me thank all of you individually and collectively as a body for all your support for our government. On our part, we have tried to be focused on the goals before us especially in delivering on the promises we made to Lagosians. We have concentrated on building infrastructure to speed up growth in every sector. Government believes that it is by developing infrastructure in transportation, agriculture, education, health and security that commercial activities can flourish substantially, the economy can grow and the people can feel secured and contented. We believe you elected us to serve your best interest. This we promise you, we will continue to do by the grace of God and your good support.

This interface between the Church and the State must therefore be sustained for the benefit of our people and development of our State. I believe that this year’s Synod will definitely provide some insights and suggestions on how we, as individual, as a Church and as a nation, can survive in the troubled times.

Once again, I congratulate the Prelate, the Archbishop of Lagos, Diocesan Bishop, Synod Secretary, the anniversary committee and the entire congregation for hosting this annual synod and wish you all many more active lives in the vineyard of the Lord.

May the peace of God continue to abide with you all.

I wish you all fruitful and divine blessings during this year’s Synod.

I thank you for listening and may God bless you all.

Eko O Ni Baje O!

Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN
Executive Governor,
Lagos State