By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
Very Rev. Johnson Faleye, Provost, Cathedral Church of St. James in Ibadan, has advised Nigerians to combine prayer with active civic responsibility to overcome insecurity and hardship.
Faleye gave the advice on the sidelines of a news conference held at NUJ Press Center in Ibadan on Monday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the news conference was organised by the Ibadan Anglican communion as part of activities lined up to celebrate the 70th birthday and retirement of Bishop Joseph Akinfenwa.
Most Rev. Akinfenwa is the bishop of the Ibadan Anglican communion.
“The situation on our hands is quite overwhelming, no doubt, but we cannot lose hope in God,” Faleye said.
He urged citizens to act as watchmen in their communities.
“We should all become security men and women in our respective places of abode and workplaces.
“The moment we perceive or discover that something is fishy somewhere, there’s need for us to cry out as soon as possible,” he said.
Faleye acknowledged the government’s efforts in tackling insecurity, but said more was needed to be done.
“We can see the government of the day is trying their best and improving on the security apparatus daily, but the best of the government at the moment is still not enough.
“We cannot play down the place of prayer. God himself will intervene in our situation as a country and except God helps us, no one can help us,” he said.
The cleric also called on religious leaders to remain non-partisan and encourage voter participation ahead of elections.
“As religious leaders, we cannot afford to be partisan. We cannot afford to take sides. We are fathers to all.
“Being Christians does not exonerate us from getting our voter’s card and ensuring that on election day we troop out to vote.
“I have been voting in every election since 1999 and I avoided telling others who to vote for- that stays between me and God,” he said.
Faleye credited the retiring bishop with transforming the public perception and reach of the Anglican Church in Oyo State.
“During his tenure as the Bishop of this diocese, he actually opened up the Anglican church, Communion in Ibadan and Oyo State.
“The church, before he came, was not really recognised by most people as being spiritual, or being evangelical, or being Pentecostal.
“People got to know that the Anglican Communion is not just orthodox. It is spiritual, evangelical, apostolic and Pentecostal,” the provost said.
The Diocesan Chancellor, Hon. Justice Helen Moronkeji Ogunwumiju, said Bishop Akinfenwa’s biggest legacy was raising clergy for national service.
“There is a record that there are over thirteen priests from this diocese who have been made bishops while he was Bishop of Ibadan.
“He encouraged and edified what belongs to Ibadan Diocese.
“We have people who left Ibadan Diocese as vicars and provosts who became bishops in other dioceses, carrying the church of Oyo State and Ibadan Diocese in particular,” she said.
She also highlighted the role of the bishop’s wife, Mrs Comfort Akinfenwa in vocational training for lay members.
“Mama Comfort Akinfenwa was engaged in several activities and set up several vocation centers,” she said.
Ogunwumiju described their leadership as defined by presence and moral clarity.
“The episcopacy has not only been about governance, but about presence — being there in moments of joy and sorrow for both the clergy and the laity.
“His lordship has remained a steady moral compass, offering clarity where there was confusion and assurance where there was uncertainty.
“His voice has carried weight not only within the church but also in the broader national discourse, where he has stood as a beacon of integrity and truth,” she said.
According to Ogunwumiju, the diocese presented the Bishop and wife with a house and chapel to express appreciation to them.
The activities lined up for the event include novelty match, public lecture, Singspiration concert, documentary and night of tributes, as well as retirement thanksgiving service.
NAN
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