Senior Anglican clerics in Lagos and Abuja have urged Nigerians not to lose hope despite worsening economic hardship, insecurity and rising poverty, insisting that the country will eventually overcome its present challenges.
The calls came during separate synods of the Anglican Communion held in Lagos and Abuja, where church leaders expressed concern over inflation, hunger and the declining purchasing power of citizens while also urging government at all levels to intensify efforts to ease suffering.
At the Third Session of the Ninth Synod of the Diocese of Lagos West held at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral Church, Ikeja, Rt. Rev. James Olusola Odedeji said many Nigerians were struggling to survive as the naira continued to lose value.
“The naira has lost value. Sometimes you are afraid to open your phone because of the numerous requests and bank account numbers that will be waiting for you. Things are that bad,” the bishop said in his presidential address.
Despite the hardship, Odedeji said the reforms would eventually yield positive outcomes.
“Many developed nations that our people are running to have gone through this phase. It’s a matter of time; we will get out of the woods. Those who have traveled out will begin to come back,” he added.
The bishop also lamented growing insecurity, saying many Nigerians now travel with fear due to uncertainty over attacks on highways and other criminal threats.
He urged President Bola Tinubu to strengthen security measures nationwide while commending Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for supporting the Anglican Church and contributing to development efforts in the state.
According to him, Sanwo-Olu played a major role in resolving land-related issues involving Anglican parishes and supporting the diocesan “City of God” project.
The synod, themed “Who Is on the Lord’s Side?”, focused on moral leadership, ethical governance and spiritual responsibility in society.
Odedeji warned leaders against making decisions based solely on political or economic calculations without considering moral implications.
“There is a real and ongoing conflict. There are only two sides: the side of God and the side of the devil. We are always in a battle between right and wrong,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, Governor Sanwo-Olu, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, described the Anglican Church as a critical institution in nation-building.
“The Anglican Church came to Nigeria as a builder of society. Through its schools, hospitals and parishes, it has contributed immensely to society,” the governor said.
In Abuja, the Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba, delivered a similar message during the opening of the First Session of the 13th Synod of the Diocese of Abuja.
Ndukuba urged Nigerians not to despair despite worsening hunger, poverty and insecurity, insisting that the Church must become a beacon of hope and service.
“Given our context of ministry in Nigeria, in a time when people are suffering, insecurity, fear, hunger and poverty, it is necessary for us to make ourselves available not only to God but also to the people around us,” he said.
The Anglican primate called on Christians to go beyond prayers by supporting vulnerable citizens and promoting peace within communities.
He said the synod would examine how the Church could strengthen its impact on society and better prepare Christians for leadership and national service.
Former Nigerian envoy, Ambassador Godknows Igali, described the synod as one of the most important gatherings of the Anglican Church in Nigeria, noting that more than 600 delegates attended the Abuja session.
