Selfless service, key to national development —Archbishop Ademowo

The 33rd Synod of the Diocese of Lagos of the Anglican Communion, will be aimed at reminding Nigerians of the need to engage in selfless service for both national and individual development.

This was disclosed last week by Diocesan Bishop of the Lagos and Dean Emeritus of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, Most Reverend (Dr) Ephraim Ademowo, during a press conference in Lagos.

The synod will commence today at the Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos with a service at 4.00 p.m, and the opening ceremony will be held tomorrow at 11.00 a.m. at Our Saviour’s Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

According to Ademowo, selfless service is one thing missing in the lives of many people which has led to the era of selfishness, “pocket-focusing” and corruption in virtually all sectors of the nation’s economy.

Thus, to call attention to this anomaly in the society with a view to proffering necessary solution, the cleric, who stated that the theme for this year’s synod would be Serving, noted that “We are today living in an age in which serving or offering of service, at all imaginable levels, have regrettably become the end rather than being sacrificial means to an end.

“The theme is not only timely and apt, but also, most relevant and tangential, particularly at this very crucial stage of our nation’s history and sociopolitical landmark, when those who are called to serve, at nearly every sector in every facet of life, appear not to be able to do so without helping themselves even to condemnable corrupt proportions and much against the admonitions of the Holy Writ. So, there is every good reason behind this choice of the theme.

“The chosen theme for this year, therefore, is a clarion call on all and sundry to adopt serving as a way of life and a demonstration of our common resolve to return to the true teachings of truth, commitment, righteousness and purity, which the Apostolic age stood for, preached and handed down to us in our successive generations.”

Let us serve by joyfully, unreservedly, absolutely and without counting the cost,” he further added.

Expected at the synod include the Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, and the retired Justice of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Hon. Justice George Adesola Oguntade. The synod will also feature seminars, plenary sessions for robust debates and far-reaching resolutions, Bible study, services, and intensive prayer sessions, especially focused on the nation.

“We certainly will never enjoy life fully – the way God intended for us to live in – until we learn it’s not about us. We are therefore being called upon to rise and for once live a life of true service and altruism.

“Living intentionally, with a service motive, helps us to stay present to the opportunities that are offered – whether they are little or big – provided it enables us to serve and make a difference. It does no matter what we give, as long as it comes from a place of love and humility,” Ademowo stated.