By Olayinka Latona

Lagos—Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, yesterday called on religious leaders partner government by praying, preaching against lawlessness, corruption, disorderliness and disobedience which could impede the progress and stability of the country.

Ambode

The governor said there was serious need for the church to support the government in shaping the society as Nigeria was in dire need of God’s greater prosperity and blessing at this trying period.

Ambode, who spoke at Our Saviour’s Church during the opening ceremonies of First Session of the 33rd synod of Diocese of Lagos, Church of Nigeria, (Anglican Communion),  said: “I pray that the efforts of our religious leaders will not be in vain and as we all know that Nigeria is in dire need of God’s greater prosperity and blessing at this time and there is no other people that can actually do that for us except we take it from the spiritual blessings that actually come out from the church”

“There is a correlation between nation’s economy and the church, if the economy prosper, it is very clear that the welfare of the people in the church will also improve and that put the burden on those of us who are in the government to ensure that the economy prosper or else people will not come to the church. There is always a symbiotic relationship between the government and the church”.

Ambode, however, expressed hope that deliberations at the Synod would be of greater benefit to humanity.

He expressed his administration’s determination to sustain the symbiotic relationship that had always existed between the government and the Lagos Diocese over the years.

On the theme of the synod, “The Marks of the Church”,   governor Ambode said: The theme of the synod is significance looking at the challenges confronting our nation and there is no better time to talk about the position of the church in this trying time and how it affects the nation as a whole. And I hope the decisions that will be taken in this synod will benefit not only Diocese of Lagos but our nation at large, cutting across every common man on the street”.

Also speaking at the Synod, retired Justice of the Supreme Court, George Oguntade, commended Ambode for his remarkable footprints in the state in the last 11 months, saying that the good works of the governor could indeed be felt everywhere.

Oguntade, however, expressed optimism that Ambode had succeeded in laying a strong foundation for a successful tenure in office which would be of immense benefit to the people.

On his part, Bishop of Lagos Diocese, Anglican Communion, Most Rev. Ephraim Ademowo, also commended Ambode for his giant strides so far, saying the state was surely in good hands.