Right Reverend (Dr) Stephen Fagbemi, the bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Owo in Ondo State, discusses national issues, the role of the church, and his experiences as a bishop over the past seven years in this interview with SEYI SOKOYA.
NIGERIA continues to struggle with its ongoing hardships, particularly food inflation. As the year comes to a close, is there hope for improvement?
As Christians, a believer, and a cleric, surely we are a people of God and we are indeed expected to exercise faith not in man, but certainly in God and His ability to turn things around. With the current situation in the country, we know that with God nothing is impossible and we are also trusting that god Himself will use the current situation to bring about the new Nigeria that we desperately need now. I trust that by His powers he will use our leaders to turn Nigeria around for good.
Though humanly speaking, if you see what our leaders are doing, somebody might be tempted to wonder if there is any hope for a better nation because inflation is galloping and life is tough. And those in leadership positions don’t seem to show any sacrifice, this makes us wonder if they are sacrificing in any way because there are a lot of pains in the land. People can no longer feed well. Most people can’t afford to get their daily basic needs. Transportation has become a problem. What people earn can no longer acquire what they need. Surely one will wonder if there is any hope for this nation with the way things are being handled in the country. For instance, the petroleum price is unstable despite claims that the subsidy has been removed. The hopes of Nigerians are blinking in the hands of the politicians. Against all odds, I trust that even in the face of all the shenanigans, God will stretch His hand to put things right for our country. I base my hope on God to use this crisis to reorder Nigeria and take us to a safe land. As Christians, believers, and clerics, we are indeed the people of God, and we are called to exercise our faith not in man, but certainly in God and His ability to bring about change. Given the current situation in our country, we know that with God, nothing is impossible, and we trust He will use this moment to help create the new Nigeria that we desperately need. I believe that, through His power, God will guide our leaders to turn Nigeria around for the better.
However, it can be disheartening to observe the actions of our leaders. One might be tempted to wonder if there is any hope for a better nation when inflation is rising and life has become increasingly difficult. It appears that those in leadership positions are not making sacrifices, which raises doubts about whether they truly understand the pain people are experiencing. Many can no longer afford necessities, and transportation has become a significant challenge. Earnings are insufficient to meet daily needs, leaving many to question if there is still hope for our nation in these circumstances.
The price of petroleum continues to be unstable, despite claims that the subsidy has been removed. The hopes of Nigerians are uncertain with the current political climate. Despite the challenges we face, I believe God will intervene and help us correct the situation in our country. I believe that He will turn this crisis into an opportunity to transform Nigeria and lead us towards a safer future.
The country’s situation significantly impacts the church. How have you adapted?
The reality we face today is that those who support the church are also the same individuals grappling with the challenges in our country. The church is undoubtedly experiencing difficult times, as many members lack the resources that would typically provide comfort, making it hard to sustain its operations. Despite these challenges, people continue to exercise their faith, often sacrificing what little they have to serve God, trusting that He will provide for their critical needs. This resilience gives me hope for the church.
We want everyone to understand that we are in this together, and we firmly believe that Nigeria will witness significant change. The key is to remain steadfast in our prayers. We trust that God will guide us through this economic crisis in Nigeria.
Just as you charge people to pray more, many clerics do the same. Is our prayer not enough?
Nigerians are praying, but our main issue is that we are not ready to take responsibility. We must take responsibility for our actions, genuinely uphold our human rights, challenge those embezzling our funds, and possess the courage to speak the truth to those in power. We cannot shy away from our responsibilities if we want to make Nigeria better.
For instance, the recent Ondo governorship election raised important questions. Did the people critically examine the candidates and prayerfully decide where to stand? Unfortunately, many do not think this way. Often, individuals focus solely on who can provide them with money for their daily needs, leading them to vote based on emotions rather than evaluating the candidates thoughtfully.
This is a significant problem. While we pray, we must remain vigilant against vote-buying and manipulation that can influence our decisions. One of the major challenges we face in making the right choices is that, despite our prayers, we have not done enough to support them with the right actions.
What do you believe the church can do during this critical time?
The church must advocate for people and share God’s message of comfort and consolation. However, the church can sometimes become compromised and fail to fulfill its mission because it is too focused on completing projects or initiatives.
How will a cleric address a corrupt politician who supported a church project? I strongly believe the church must rediscover its true calling: to serve as God’s voice during critical times and to provide hope and comfort to the masses. Regardless of the individuals involved, the church must be able to speak the truth.
We must advocate for what is right, guide the people, and lead them in the proper direction. I am not sure the church has been effective enough in this regard. I am not saying the church should engage in heresies or offer false prophecies, but it must provide a balanced view of situations and challenge its followers to do what is right. While the church prays, we should also be willing to speak out and take risks when necessary.
You have undoubtedly devoted your life, time, and energy to God’s work. How has it been?
We will continue to thank God for His mercy and grace. Regardless of our circumstances, we must accept them with humility, understanding that our positions are not a reflection of being the best available, but rather a result of God’s choice. I remind myself of this often. Although I am known as one of the best in the world, God has deliberately chosen me to serve as His mouthpiece and to be a bishop during this time. For this, I am grateful, and I accept my role with a deep sense of humility.
I remain aware that I occupy this position by the grace of God and in trust for Him and His church. Many have held this position before me and are no longer in it. Consequently, I am always conscious of how I manage, perform, and behave during my tenure, recognizing that the office and the church are greater than any individual.
I continually seek God’s grace so that I do not bring shame or reproach to His name or that of the church. I humbly ask that God’s will prevail in every situation over mine. As the fourth bishop of Owo, I cherish this privilege. Over the last seven years as a bishop, God has helped us achieve smooth operations within the office.
The positions I have held in the Anglican Communion have also prepared me for this leadership role. I have noticed that God has been involved in every stage I have faced in His vineyard. It is God’s will that has led me thus far, and I have made it a point to express my gratitude to Him. While challenges are inevitable, I thank God for guiding me through them. Every experience I have encountered and every achievement has become a part of my success story in ministry and has shaped who I am today.
We will continue to express our gratitude to God for His mercy and grace Regardless of our circumstances, we must accept them with humility, recognizing that our position is not a reflection of our superiority, but rather a result of being chosen by God. I hold onto this truth with gratitude. I may be known worldwide, but God has deliberately chosen me as His mouthpiece to serve as a bishop at this time. Therefore, I am grateful and accept this role with a deep sense of humility.
I am always aware that I occupy this position by the grace of God, entrusted with this responsibility for Him and His church. There have been individuals who held this role before me and are no longer in it. I remain conscious of how I manage, perform, and behave during my tenure because the office and the church are greater than any individual.
I continuously ask for God’s grace so that I do not bring any shame or reproach to His name or to that of the church. I humbly request that God’s will prevail in every situation over my own. I am privileged to be the fourth bishop of Owo, and I guard this privilege jealously. God has helped us achieve smooth operations in the bishop’s office over the past seven years.
I believe the positions I have held throughout my years in the Anglican Communion have prepared me for this leadership role. I have noticed that God has been involved at every stage of my journey in the vineyard. It is God’s will that has prevailed in my life, guiding me accordingly, and I never hesitate to express my gratitude to Him. While we cannot overlook the challenges we have faced, I thank God for seeing me through them. Everything I have encountered and accomplished has become part of my success story in ministry and has shaped me into the person I am today.
What has been your greatest achievement as a bishop over the past seven years?
I give all glory to God, who has helped us achieve great things as a church. While we recognize that many people have worked with us to bring our goals to fruition, I humbly acknowledge that, as a leader, God has guided the church through us.
I recall that our first major assignment was renovating the bishop’s court. We also established a fitting guest house and built an Epiphany House for the chaplain. The late Ondo State governor, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu, on behalf of his family, donated a building that serves as our office complex. Additionally, we renovated the former Owo Local Government Corps’ Lodge into a medical center named after the late governor. This project will soon be completed as a medical and diagnostic center.
We have recently completed several buildings in Iselu, a part of Owo, known as the Abode of Hope. Although the facility was given to the diocese before my arrival, God has helped us transform it from bushland into buildings. We also undertook renovations of the cathedral.
There are many developments to discuss. We have impacted lives spiritually and physically in various ways. We have supported women, men, the elderly, and youth, particularly through our various empowerment and innovative programmes, which have significantly contributed to the church’s growth.
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