Ensure freedom of worship, synod charges FG

The Federal Government has been tasked on ensuring freedom of worship, as enshrined in the constitution.

This formed part of the resolutions at the first session of the fourth synod of the Diocese of Egba West, Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, which had as its theme, Breakthrough.

Delivering the bishop’s charge on Friday at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Oke-Igbore, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Bishop of Egba West Diocese, Right Reverend Samuel Oludele Ogundeji, who commended President Muhammadu Buhari on the fight against corruption , further tasked the Federal Government on the need to create more employment opportunities for youths and checkmate herdsmen clashes.

“There must be freedom of worship and government must see to it that no religion is given more prominence and recognition than the others. There should be freedom of worship all over the country, without molestation, as enshrined in the Constitution.

“Our leaders must find alternative ways, such as agriculture, to boost the economy, apart from oil. Our spending on governance and maintaining the democratic institutions in the polity must also be drastically reduced to create job opportunities for youths,” he stated.

The Ogun State government was also commended for its efforts at ensuring development, just as the government was urged to put in more efforts on the issue of unemployment, and roads and affordable healthcare for the people of the state.

Present at the synod included Bishop Andrew Olusola Ajayi of the Anglican Diocese of Ekiti Kwara, who preached at the opening service; Bishop (Dr) Solomon Gbetogo Kuponu of the Anglican Diocese of Ijebu-North, who will preach at the closing service today; Bishop Michael Oluwarohunbi of yewa Anglican Diocese; Bishop Nathaniel Ogundipe of Ifo Anglican Diocese; Bishop Timothy Yahaya; Bishop Andrew Olu-Igenoza; Bishop Emmanuel Adekunle; Venerable Olusola Ladipo-Ajayi; provost of the cathedral of Egba-West, Venerable Olusola Obaleye; Olu of Kobape, Oba Johnson Olufemi Taylor, among others.

While the women’s organisation under the leadership of the wife of the bishop, Mrs Rebecca Ogundeji, was commended for its efforts at related to outreach, revival and projects for the development of the diocese, the synod featured guest lecture by Reverend (Professor) Russell Olukayode Somoye; special prayer sessions; Bible study; worship sessions, workshops on spiritual and national matters, among others.