Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo‑Olu has urged political leaders and public office holders to conduct themselves with honesty, transparency, and accountability to both the people and God. Speaking at the opening of the 36th Synod of the Diocese of Lagos in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), he described governance as a sacred stewardship and said that his administration has always approached public office with the awareness that it will be scrutinised in time and eternity.
The Governor, who was accompanied by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, delivered the address at Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos, during the second session of the synod themed “The Doctrine of Salvation (Soteriology) and the Doctrine of End‑Time (Eschatology): Their Relevance and Our Response to Them Today.” He described the twin themes as timely and profound, especially at a moment when many Nigerians are grappling with economic uncertainty and rising anxiety about the future.
Sanwo‑Olu urged the Church to see salvation and the hope of Christ’s return not as abstract ideas but as sources of strength and clarity for the nation. He said soteriology reminds people that salvation comes through grace rather than merit, while eschatology teaches that every person will one day give an account of their stewardship. He argued that this theological foundation should undergird every reform, budget, contract, and public service decision, warning that without it leadership risks becoming a self‑serving enterprise instead of a sacred trust.
The Governor also praised the Diocesan Bishop, The Rt. Revd. Dr. Ifedola Okupevi, for the consistent prayers, counsel, and pastoral support his administration has received since he took office. He told synod delegates, including bishops, priests, and lay members, that his THEMES Plus Agenda, spanning traffic and transportation, health and environment, education and technology, economic transformation, entertainment and tourism, security and governance, with sustainability and inclusion at its core, has guided major progress in Lagos during his tenure.
Sanwo‑Olu commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his bold reforms and encouraged the Church to continue praying for the President, other institutions, and all leaders in public office. In his presidential address, Bishop Okupevi affirmed that salvation in Christ is both a present reality and a future hope, and he praised the Sanwo‑Olu administration for its achievements in infrastructure, transportation, healthcare, education, and economic development.
The Bishop also urged the Church to play an active role in the 2027 general elections, urging members not to sell their voters’ cards and to resist the forces of greed, violence, and ethnic manipulation. He called on Christians to pray fervently, speak boldly, and pursue justice, quoting Proverbs 14:34 to underscore that righteousness ultimately uplifts a nation.
At the end of the session, gifts were presented to Governor Sanwo‑Olu, Deputy Governor Hamzat, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Christian Matters, Very Revd. Bukola Adeleke, in appreciation of their presence and support for the Church.