The Diocese of Lagos West Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), held its second session of the ninth Synod with the theme: “Be A Beacon Of Light” at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, G.R.A lkeja, Lagos from May 15, to 18, 2025.

The four-day event attracted dignitaries from all walks of life, including the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-olu, who was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Samuel Ebube; and the Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, who was represented by Omotola Rotimi.

Delivering his address, President of the Synod, The Rt. Rev’d James Odedeji, enjoined Christians to uphold Christian values in such a way that the blind could see the invisible God through them. Appealing to Christians never to take God’s grace for granted, he challenged them to be relevant and live up to the light that God has made them to be by shining in dark places for men to see their good works and glorify their Father in heaven.

He said: “The call to shine our light is both a mission and responsibility we can choose to accept or ignore. When we accept it, we bring glory to our Father in heaven, when we reject it, we bring shame to His name. We have the responsibility to shine the light in us or to cover the light in us. This is an appeal and an admonition to us all; therefore, let it shine!”

On insecurity, Odedeji noted that the violence witnessed in the country is a product of the socio-economic and political conditions the country is currently facing today in the areas of unemployment, politics for personal gain, moral decadence, greed and high level of illiteracy. Saying these are factors that push people into violence, he called on political officeholders to change their kinetic approach to insecurity.

Commending the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, for effectively managing the state, the Bishop said the church would not relent to pray for him, the state and its inhabitants, irrespective of political, religious, ethnic, cultural or occupational inclinations. He also extended gratitude to the former Deputy Governor of Lagos State and Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Mrs. Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, for always identifying with the Diocese.

The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, applauded the church for the valuable partnership it shares with government of Lagos State in its mission to create a peaceful and striving Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Deputy Chief of Staff, Samuel Ebube, called on Christians to exemplify faith and good works in the world by shining the light of Christ, adding that the theme of the Synod, “Be A Beacon Of Light” taken from Matthew 5:16, encourages Christians to show their good deeds and shine brightly before others so that they may glorify God. He said that Christians are symbols of guidance, hope and moral clarity in the face of societal challenges.

Describing Christians as the ones that God has handed over his government, the Governor said: “We are not just by standers, but we hold primary responsibility for our nation and the state. In a world that is often clouded by uncertainty, moral decline and despair the call to be light is a practical reminder from every believer and leader to demonstrate the character of Christ in areas of influence.”

Stressing that the gathering is not just another church meeting, but a sacred opportunity for reflection, recommitment and prophetic clarity, he noted that the sermon reminds Christians that they are not to criticise and complain, but to be active participants in governance and also pray for their leaders.

He assured Lagosians that his government would enhance lives across sectors including education, healthcare, infrastructure, security and youth empowerment. He called on church leaders to be concerned about global and local challenges such as insecurity, economic upheavals and growing sense of restlessness among the youths.

Orelope-Adefulire, the former Lagos State Deputy Governor and Senior Special Assistant to President, Bola Tinubu, commended the exceptional leadership of Rt. Rev James Odedeji over the years, describing the Synod’s theme, as both spiritual and strategic.

According to her, the message was not only to Christians, but to our urgent mission in a time of great challenges and uncertainty, especially in a world struggling with conflicts, poverty, injustice and moral decay.