The Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Lagos West, Rt. Rev. James Olusola Odedeji, has thanked God for the release of the kidnapped prospective corps members, but said Nigerians still live in fear because the government has not done enough to secure lives.
The 20 prospective National Youth Service Corps members were abducted on October 1 on the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Imo State while travelling from Ibadan to orientation camps in Abia and Akwa Ibom states. Police said they were rescued on Wednesday.
Odedeji spoke on Friday, October 9, after commissioning St. Andrew’s Anglican Church in Ofin, Ikorodu.
“The life of every Nigerian matters… it’s sad that we are still not making headway when it comes to the security of lives. There is fear everywhere, and Nigerians are not happy that they cannot move freely in their country.
“But then, we still have cause to thank God for the release of the corps members. We have had cases in the past where ransoms were collected, yet the kidnappers still went ahead to kill their victims. We are praying that God will touch the hearts of these wicked people and cause them to repent,” he said.
The bishop also called on the government to attend to the welfare of Nigerians.
“People are hungry. The purchasing power of the average Nigerian is weak. We want the government to be more responsive to the plight of the people. We cannot continue like this as a nation.
“As church leaders, we see people on a daily basis who are in pain and financial distress. The average Nigerian simply wants an environment that enhances their livelihood. They are not asking for too much,” he said.
The new parish is one of the church’s efforts to spread the Gospel in the Ikorodu area.
At the dedication service, Odedeji urged believers not to lose focus on the work of faith committed into their hands.
“We have been saved to save others. We should not lose focus. Our goal and desire should be to do the will of the Master. God has called us to go into the world and preach the Good News,” the bishop said.
He charged the vicar in charge of the parish, Rev. Olumuyiwa Ogunsanya, and his wife, Olusola Ogunsanya, to be steadfast and remain committed to the doctrine of Christ.
“The dedication of this parish is a call to be more committed to the task of evangelism. This is a time to renew your dedication and trust God for more of His grace to do His bidding.”
The service drew clergy, church officers and laity from across the diocese.
A highlight of the event was the elevation of Ogunsanya to the rank of canon in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), which was celebrated by parishioners and other attendees.