Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has described the Lagos West Diocese of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, as a worthy companion in the development of the state.

Sanwo-Olu said this at the 10th anniversary celebration of the episcopacy of the Bishop of the Diocese, Rt. Rev. James Olusola Odedeji, in Lagos on Saturday, May 6.

Speaking at the event, the governor, who was represented by his Special Adviser on Religion, Rev. Bukola Adeleke, said: “The Lagos West Diocese of the Anglican Communion has been a part of us as a government. We acknowledge the worthy role faith-based organisations have been playing in the development of the state.

“Your diocese particularly has been at the forefront of promoting peace in Lagos. It’s only when there is peace in the society that we can talk about development.”

He said the last decade in the diocese has yielded great dividends under the leadership of Bishop Odedeji, noting that it has contributed tremendously to education, health, and welfare of the people of Lagos.

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“We recognise these investments in the state and we are thankful that the Bishop has made himself available to serve,” Governor Sanwo-Olu added.

Sanwo-Olu, however, commended the wife of the Bishop, Dr Lydia Odedeji, for playing a strategic role in making the last ten years in the diocese a fruitful one while also wishing the Bishop more fruitful years.

Also speaking at the event, Rev. Abel Ajibodu urged Bishop Odedeji not to relent in the good works that God had enabled him to do in the diocese.

Making copious reference to scriptures, he said, the Bishop can’t afford to lose focus.

He said Odedeji has been used greatly by God in the spiritual emancipation of the diocese of Lagos West, adding: “I bear witness to the great programmes that you have initiated to make this diocese a spiritually vibrant diocese. One cannot make all these investments and not be rewarded by God.”

On his part, the Primate of the Anglican Church, Rev. Henry Ndukuba, described Bishop Odedeji as a dependable servant of God whose ministry has been a great blessing to the Anglican Communion.

The former Primate of the Church, Rev. Nicholas Okoh. described Odedeji as a testimony of what God can do with a young man.

He said when he was elected, there was apprehension that he might mess up the work “but he has proved us wrong. For one, there has been no crisis in the diocese since he came on board. His work has been excellent. He has great humility.”

An industrialist, Segun Osunkeye, described Odedeji as a man of God whose work has made the diocese one of the largest in the Church of Nigeria.

A former High Court Judge, Babasola Ogunade, said Bishop Odedeji improved on what his predecessor left behind.

The Star