In the face of the difficult and excruciating economic situation in the country, the Bishop of the Kwara Diocese of the Anglican Communion, Right Reverend Sunday Adewole has urged Nigerians to rely absolutely on God. This is just as the Archbishop of Kaduna Catholic Diocese, Most Rev. Matthew Ndagoso similarly encouraged the citizens not to lose hope in the face of socio-economic difficulties in Nigeria. The clergy added that in these challenging times, Nigeria needs radical changes, especially in governance.
The duo made the assertion in their Easter message in Ilorin; Kwara state and Kaduna state respectively at the weekend. They noted that all hands must be on deck to build a better Nigeria.
According to Ndagoso: “True, over the years the political class has failed and betrayed the trust of the citizens. However, while we call for a change of attitude and mentality towards governance by the ruling class, their failures need not kill our dreams for a better Nigeria. We must keep dreaming and working hard to realise the Nigeria of our dream and it goes without saying there is a sacrificial price to be paid as the Lord Jesus did.
“To make our country regain its lost glory is a task that is incumbent on all Nigerians.
“We cannot afford to give up the struggle to help ourselves and make our country better and even greater. In other words, we should not lose hope in our country. We believe that like the proverbial Egyptian phoenix, our country will arise from the ashes of its present ruins.
“Like the phoenix, it will rise from the pyre to a new and undying life. This is to say that like the Crucified Lord and the legendary Egyptian phoenix our country will resurrect with a new and vibrant life because our God who conquered death will do new things in our land.”
Bishop Ndagoso also used the occasion to show concern with victims of kidnapping across the country, saying, “Our hearts go out to all the victims of banditry, insurgency, herders/farmers clashes, kidnapping for ransom and indeed to all who are suffering as a result of hardship imposed on the country by harsh government policies.
In his sermon entitled: “Implications of Christ’s Resurrection”, he noted that the resurrection of Jesus is not a friction; it’s a reality, as it brought salvation, healing.
He also stressed the need to sacrifice our time, talent, treasure, be faithful, available, and teachable. “We are peace in this country,” he said.
Bishop Adewole also kicked against preaching Christ without Christ, salvation without santification, decision without discipleship, love without lordship, prosperity without purpose, blessing without birth right, and revival without reformation.
