The third day of the Annual Retreat of Bishops and Bishops’ Wives holding at the Faith Plaza, Bariga was marked by a high-profile visit from the Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was lauded by the Primate for his purposeful leadership.
In his welcome address, the Primate, the Most Revd Dr Henry C. Ndukuba, expressed great delight that the Governor had come to felicitate with the bishops. He described Governor Sanwo-Olu as a leader who rules with “the fear of God and purpose”, acknowledging his timeliness in attending to situations in the state, whether good or bad.
Drawing from 2 Samuel 23:3–4, the Primate stated that leadership is a sacred trust, noting that the Church is proud that the Governor has carried this mantle with integrity and a heart for the people. He also used the opportunity to commiserate with the state regarding the recent fire incident which destroyed a multiple story building and many other goods and human lives, praying for the restoration of all that was lost and condolences to the families of lives lost.
Reflecting on the historical significance of the venue, Primate Ndukuba noted that it was fitting for the retreat to return to Lagos, as it was here that the retreat began in December 2000 under the leadership of the then Primate, Archbishop Peter Jasper Akinola. He described that inaugural gathering as a period of “deep repentance, restoration, and healing”, where the concept of the “monarchical bishop” crumbled, giving way to the biblical idea of “diaconate episcopacy”. He concluded by expressing the Church’s gratitude for the consistent support received from the Governor.
While responding, Governor Sanwo-Olu called for stronger synergy between the Church and the State, asserting that while the government formulates policies, faith is essential to stabilise and strengthen them.
Commending the retreat’s theme, “Prepared and Useful to the Master”, he noted that in times of anxiety and confusion, true usefulness goes beyond mere visibility.
“Many may be prominent but not necessarily useful,” Sanwo-Olu remarked. Sharing his personal experience in governance, he noted that he witnesses the pain and expectations of the people daily and urged the Fathers of Faith to remain focused, as leadership is fundamentally about stewardship and accountability.
The Bishop of Lagos, the Rt. Rev’d Dr Ifedola Okupevi, while welcoming the Governor, described him as a “committed member of the Diocese of Lagos”. He praised the Governor’s dedication as a member of the Synod and the Guild of Stewards, as well as his strides in healthcare, infrastructure, and education.
The Governor was accompanied by the Chairman of Bariga Local Council Development Area, Hon. Bukola Adedeji, and the Special Adviser on Christian Religious Matters, the Very Revd Bukola Adeleke Adebiyi.
The Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Revd Dr Blessing Enyindah, offered prayers for the Governor. This was followed by prayers for the nation and the Church led by the Primate.
