The Anglican Bishop of Ijebu South West, Rt. Rev’D Dr Babatunde Ogunbanwo, has charged the clergies and laities of Remo Anglican Diocese, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), to be at the front burner in ensuring that cultism is eradicated among the youths in Remoland.
Ogunbanwo who delivered the 40th Anniversary Thanksgiving and Award Service of the Diocese, held at the Cathedral Church of St. Paul, Sagamu, with the theme “When I Remember, I Give Thanks” (Philippians 1vs3), said the tagging of Sagamu in particular and the entire of Remoland in general, as the headquarters of Cultism in Ogun State, is worrisome.
The Bishop challenged the Church to fully engage the idle ones among the youths in Remoland.
He said, “I read an article in the Nigerian Tribune, some time ago, where Remoland was referred as the headquarters of Cultism in Ogun State. I was bittered but believed that so many things can still be done to free the land.
“I challenge the Remo Anglican Diocese to lead the crusade of eradicating Cultism in Sagamu and its environs. The Diocese must engage the youths, especially the men. They need to be mentored.”
Bishop Ogunbanwo noted that Remo Diocese since its inauguration on March 5, 1984, has continued to wax stronger in spreading the gospel of Christ, despite the crisis that engulfed it for about 10 years, before the inauguration of the present Bishop, the Rt. Rev’D Dr Olusina Fape.
“We are thanking God today for the 40th anniversary of Remo Diocese inauguration because it is God that is working out its purpose in the Diocese. We thought it is not possible to have a Diocese of our own. We never thought Remo Diocese can stand on its own.
“We remain committed to the sacrificial giving of Papa Obafemi Awolowo and Papa Adewunmi Sonukan, for their efforts. The duo paid N20,000 before the Diocese can be inaugurated. We appreciate and give thanks to the two individuals.
“The Diocese equally recognized the sacrifices of Yeye Oodua, Chief Hannah Dideolu Awolowo and Mama T.O Ogunlesi. We cannot easily forget the effort to the pioneering Bishop, late Rt.Revd, Oluremi Ogundana,” he added.
The cleric commended Bishop Fape and his wife, Oluwatoyin Fape, for ensuring deep unity in the Diocese, while adding that the Diocese under his episcopacy had produced three serving Bishops namely; Rt. Revd Dr Emmanuel Adekunle (Bishop of Egba); The Rt Rev’D Babatunde Ogunbanwo (Bishop of Ijebu South West) and The Rt Rev’D Foluso Babatunji (Bishop of Osun).
While explaining that the Diocese aside from ensuring spiritual growth, is equally contributing towards educational advancement in the State.
The service witnessed the recognition of honour bestowed on both the living and the dead, who have contributed to the growth of the Diocese since its inauguration.
Among those recognized were Papa and Mama Awolowo; the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun; Sir Kensington Adebutu; the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi; Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Justice Olufemi Adeniyi; late Emeritus Professor of Medicine, T.O Ogunlesi among others.
Fape while presenting the plaque and award certificates to the recipients said the honour became necessary in recognition of the effort of the forebears for the foundation they laid.
“We are celebrating our forebears for the foundation we are building on today, that their labour of love must not be forgotten,” he added.
Abiodun in his remarks commended Bishop Fape for the tremendous achievements so far recorded in the Diocese under his leadership.
The Governor represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, said that the Diocese has been contributing to humanity’s development.
He urged the Diocese to continue supporting his administration towards the rebuilding of the State.
The Posthumous award for the Awolowos was received by the Chairman of the African Newspapers of Nigeria Plc, Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu.
