The president alone can’t save Nigeria, all hands must be on deck – Sanwo-Olu

The governor of LAGOS State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on Nigerians to work together to overcome the numerous problems facing the nation. This includes religious leaders.

He stated that in order to make sure that the battles of Nigeria’s historical heroes and the country’s founders were not in vain, all hands must be on deck.

At the 41st Bishops Council, Methodist Church Nigeria, official opening ceremony, which was held at Hoare’s Memorial Methodist Cathedral in Yaba, Lagos, under the subject “Arise & Build,” Sanwo-Olu made the appeal.

Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde at the event noted that no government can achieve any success without divine intervention and support from its citizens, adding that peaceful and harmonious living will galvanise the desired growth of the economy and foster prosperity for all.

In his words: “The theme for this council, “Arise and Build” (Nehemiah 2:18),” is timely for both the church and the nation. In the biblical passage that inspired this theme, Nehemiah and the elders of each tribe and household recognized the need to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. The city’s walls, which once protected its inhabitants from external attacks, had been destroyed by enemies who had studied and strategized their assault, leaving the remaining citizens in a state of hopelessness.

“Motivated by his love for his country, Nehemiah sought permission to visit and rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He was determined to achieve this great goal and successfully persuaded the elders to understand why this endeavor was essential.

“At this crucial time, both our nation and the church need visionary leaders to rise and rebuild our lost heritage, history, and shared values. Alongside these leaders, we also need men and women who believe in and support the vision of those chosen by God to guide us to the next level of greatness. The labor of our past heroes shall not be in vain.”

Earlier in his welcome address, Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence, Dr. Oliver Ali Abah charged Nigerians to be hopeful and prayerful despite the prevailing circumstances.

In his words: ”We are all living witnesses to the current economic woes facing our land. No doubt, times are hard and these are trying times for the Nigerian rich and poor. The present hardship is caused by factors such as inflation, the free-fall of our national currency, insecurity mainly due to kidnapping, our ailing industries, and the unrealistic devaluation of the Naira, just to mention a few.

“our hope is not lost in God. As leaders of the Methodist people in Nigeria, we have our duties to perform. In Scripture, for example, we are enjoined to ‘Arise and Build’, through personal commitment, personal sacrifices, collective actions and joint prayers. MCN must keep praying to God, to grant us economic relief.”