Date: 2021-08-01

The Anglican Bishop of Igbomina, The Rt. Rev Emmanuel Adekola has urged government at all levels to put measures in place towards eliminating insecurity in the country. Adekola, who spoke at the first Session of the Eighth Synod of the Diocese of Igbomina at Omupo, Kwara State, said government is saddled with the responsibility of protecting citizens’ lives and property. So, they should do their job.

Speaking on the synod's theme, tagged, "The New Vision" taken from Habakkuk 2:2, Adekola drew a parallel between the world of Habakkuk and what is happening now in Nigeria, where all hell has been let loose on the citizenry. "Nigeria and Nigerians are suffering in the hands of all kinds of marauders. Violence of unimaginable proportion is being unleashed on Nigeria and its people. Life has become so cheap. Human blood has lesser value than coconut water," he said.

He did not, however, limit the blame to killer-herders, terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and ritualists, among other, saying every Nigerian should take responsibility for the mess the country is in.

He said: "If the carnage that we experience now were to take place in the Old Testament times, people would have resorted to God in dust and ashes…"

The Bishop also called on Nigerians to play their part by reporting suspicious movement to security operatives, as well as pay their taxes regularly.

The cleric, while arguing that the nation would not find the right answers, until it starts asking the right questions, urged Christians to continue to win souls for Jesus Christ in order to reduce number of people that would go to hell. He explained that worldly achievement is not gateway to Paradise, but anyone who wins souls for Jesus Christ would be crowned with glory, as well as inherit God’s Kingdom.

Borrowing a leaf from the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Diocese of Igbomina domesticated the national Church’s new vision and launched it at the Synod.

The Bishop expressed optimism that despite what is being experienced today, there is light at the end of the tunnel. He, therefore, admonished Nigerians never to allow circumstances and prevailing situations steal their joy. He said though the divine vision for Nigeria may be delayed, it will surely come to pass and that Nigerians should wait for the fulfilment of God’s vision by exercising practical faith.

"Though, the Divine vision for Nigeria may be delayed, nevertheless, it will come to pass," he said.

(The Rev Canon Falusi Tope Paul is the Communication Officer, Diocese of Igbomina)