‘Be beacons of light’: Anglican Bishop condemns hardship, charges Nigerian leaders on governance

The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West, Right Reverend James Odedeji, has warned Nigerian leaders against bad governance, hardship, and injustice in the country.

Odedeji called on Nigerian leaders to be beacons of light in “these dark and trying times”.

The cleric gave the warning while delivering his address at the Synod of the diocese held at Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral in the Ikeja area of Lagos State on Friday, May 16, 2025.

Odedeji painted a sobering picture of a nation on the brink – troubled by corruption, insecurity, and moral decline – while urging both leaders and citizens to embrace integrity, compassion, and selfless service.

Stressing the theme of the Synod, “Be a Beacon of Light”, Bishop Odedeji stressed that the times call for courageous leadership and moral clarity, not silence or compromise.

“We are summoned by God’s word to shine as light in a world clouded by selfishness, deception, and despair. This Synod is a divine reminder that we are not called to conform, but to transform,” he said.

Odedeji lamented the worsening cost of living crisis, the depreciation of the naira, and the pervasive atmosphere of hopelessness, while urging both federal and state governments to respond urgently to the cries of the people.

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On Lagos State, Bishop Odedeji commended the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu administration for strides in infrastructural development and urban planning but emphasised that these efforts must be matched with meaningful social investment.

He also appealed to political leaders in Lagos State not to allow for political instability, urging the three arms of the government to work together, sink their differences, and make the state greater.

“This year’s synod theme is a definition of who God has called us to be in the world. It is a call to identify our purpose, value, capability, empowerment and mandate to influence the world for God,” Odedeji added.

Bishop Odedeji also enjoined African countries to diversify their economy beyond oil and boost local production.

He also appealed to the continent not to sit on the fence, urging it to leverage on global technological advancement.

Addressing the Nigerian church directly, Bishop Odedeji urged Christians to reclaim their identity as agents of truth and righteousness.

“Christianity in Nigeria must not be reduced to noise, crowds, and emotion. It must become a movement of light-bearers. We must live what we preach and preach what we live,” the cleric said.

The second session of the ninth Synod of the diocese will end on Sunday, May 18, with a thanksgiving service at the diocesan headquarters in Ikeja.

The Star