Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has called on Nigerians, particularly religious leaders, to band together to save the country from the multitude of issues it faces.
Sanwo-Olu made the statement during the official opening ceremony of the 41st Bishops Council of the Methodist Church Nigeria, which was held at Hoare’s Memorial Methodist Cathedral in Yaba, Lagos, with the subject ‘Arise & Build’.
He stated that all hands must be on deck to ensure that the fight of Nigeria’s founders and past heroes is not in vain.
The governor, represented by his Chief of Staff, Tayo Ayinde, stated that no government can achieve success without divine intervention and the support of its inhabitants, adding that peaceful and harmonious living will generate the needed economic growth and foster wealth for everyone.
“The theme for this council, “Arise and Build” (Nehemiah 2:18),” is important for both the church and the nation. In the biblical chapter that inspired this theme, Nehemiah and the elders of each tribe and household acknowledged the need of rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls. The city’s fortifications, which had previously defended its inhabitants from exterior attacks, had been razed by foes who had planned and strategized their attack, leaving the remaining citizens forlorn.
“Nehemiah, motivated by his passion for his nation, asked permission to visit and repair Jerusalem’s walls. He was motivated to attain this lofty aim, and he successfully persuaded the elders of the importance of the undertaking.
“At this critical juncture, both our nation and the church require visionary leaders to emerge and rebuild our lost legacy, history, and shared ideals. Along with these leaders, we need men and women who believe in and support the vision of those God has selected to lead us to the next level of greatness. “Our past heroes’ efforts will not be in vain,” he declared.
