The growing insecurity across Nigeria came under focus on Sunday as the Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Rt. Rev. James Olusola Odedeji, called on governments at all levels to intensify efforts to combat criminality through the deployment of modern technology.
Speaking at the 2026 priesthood ordination held at the Bishop Ajayi Crowther Memorial Anglican Church, Gowon Estate in Lagos State on Sunday, June 28, Bishop Odedeji lamented the worsening security situation in the country, saying security agencies must stay ahead of criminals by embracing advanced technological solutions.
“The people perpetrating these heinous crimes are daily upscaling their activities with the support of their sponsors. There is, therefore, a need for us to also step up our efforts and deploy modern technology so that we can always stay ahead of them,” he said.
The ceremony attracted clergy and laity from across the Diocese of Lagos West, with 19 deacons ordained into the priesthood. Four of the newly ordained priests were from the Awori Diocese, where Bishop Odedeji serves as the supervisory bishop.
Earlier in his sermon, the retired Bishop of the Awori Diocese, Rt. Rev. Johnson Atere, urged the newly ordained priests and other church workers to prioritise their relationship with God if they hoped to enjoy fruitful and enduring ministries.
Preaching from 1 Timothy 4:16, Bishop Atere stressed that the first responsibility of every priest is to take heed to his own spiritual life before ministering to others.
Atere said: “The order of ministry is for the priest to first take heed to himself.
“A priest who loses his integrity, spiritual life and doctrinal soundness becomes a danger to himself.”
He added that while church programmes and activities were important, they should never take precedence over personal fellowship with God.
“The first responsibility of a priest is not organising programmes or meetings. These are good, but what should be of primary concern is your relationship with God,” he said.
Bishop Atere cited the example of Jesus Christ, who consistently devoted time to prayer despite being the Son of God.
Priotise relationship with God, families, Bishop Atere urges Anglican priests
“If Jesus could pray, why would a priest spend the morning hours without fellowship with God?” he asked.
The retired bishop also referenced biblical figures such as Moses, noting that their private devotion shaped their public ministries. He urged the newly ordained priests to maintain lives free from corruption and immorality.
“It is important that you pay attention to your character. People may not remember your messages long after you are gone, but they will never forget the life you lived,” he said.
Atere challenged the priests to emulate the integrity of the prophet Samuel, asking how many ministers could confidently say they had defrauded no one.
“A priest should take heed to himself and live according to his calling. His life must reflect Christ. Our lives speak louder than our messages,” he added.
Bishop Atere further warned against dishonesty and sexual immorality, stressing that ministers would ultimately be remembered for their conduct rather than their titles or achievements.
He also urged the priests to give adequate attention to their families, describing the home as a minister’s first congregation.
“Take care of your family. Many have built successful churches but lost their families. Your congregation will lose confidence in you if your home is in disarray,” Atere said.
The retired bishop cautioned that choosing the wrong spouse could have lasting consequences for a minister’s calling and effectiveness.
Bishop Atere charged the priests to remain faithful to the doctrines of the Anglican Church, which he said are firmly rooted in the Bible.
“Preach the Word. Many of the false teachings we have today have demonic origins. Let the Word of God be your guide and the central focus of your ministry,” he stated.
