NEWLY enthroned Bishop of Owo Diocese, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Right Reverend Stephen Fagbemi, has said claim by those in government that the country was out of recession was prophetic, as the reality would come to light soon.
He stated this at his enthronement service, at St. Andrew’s Cathedral, Owo, following the retirement of Bishop James Oladunjoye, which had 46 other bishops, in attendance.
Fagbemi, who, in his message, used the biblical phrase ‘Arise and shine for the light has come and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you,’ said it was time for Owo and Nigeria at large, to shine again.
“In recent times, it has been said that Nigeria is out of recession. While this has been received with cautious optimism by those in government, for the average Nigerian, it is far from the truth because it has not translated to improved standard of living.
“However, it is not totally false, perhaps for those who said so, but were just being spiritual and prophetic, believing that very soon, there shall be huge turnaround just like Israel of old at a time when there was great famine in the land,” he said.
He called on Nigerians to be optimistic as improvement would arrive in due season, urging the people to reposition themselves for reward.
He thanked Governor Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State, and all stakeholders, who contributed to the successful retirement and enthronement services.
Present at the occasion were the Archbishop of Bendel Anglican Province, Bishop of Esan Diocese, and Dean Emeritus of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Reverend (Dr) F.J. Imaekhai; Archbishop of Lagos Province and Bishop of Remo Diocese, Most Reverend Michael Fape, and other bishops.
Also present were Chief Olu Falae; Chief (Dr) Abitoye; Mr Gani Omoluka; Chief Funsho Kupolukun; Mr Borofice Ologunagba; Chief (Mrs) Kosemani Kolawole; Chief (Dr) Awani; Chief (Mrs) Jumoke Anifowose; the Olowo of Owo, Oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi III; Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi; representatives of the Olufon of Ifon; Alani of Ido Ani, Oba (retd Major General) Olufemi Olutoye and his wife; representatives of the Ojomu-Oluda of Ijebu Owo; Oloba Odaye of Oba-Ile, Oba Joseph Agunbiade and his wife, among others.
SOURCE: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE