Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has urged the Church to take a frontline role in tackling vote-buying, electoral violence, intimidation and misinformation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Abiodun made the call on Wednesday at the 15th General Synod of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, held at Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, Ikenne, in Ikenne Local Government Area of Ogun State.
He urged Christian leaders to use their influence to promote peaceful political participation, responsible citizenship and issue-based campaigns as the country prepares for another electoral cycle.
The governor said the Church could not afford to remain on the sidelines, given its influence in shaping values, attitudes and behaviour across communities.
According to him, the Church is strategically positioned to educate its members on responsible civic participation and the need to reject practices capable of undermining the credibility and peaceful conduct of elections.
“The Church has a critical role to play in preparing our people for the elections by encouraging responsible citizenship, rejecting vote-buying and violence, and ensuring that misinformation does not become a tool for dividing our people,” Abiodun said.
He also called on political actors to base their campaigns on ideas, vision and programmes rather than ethnicity, religion and other considerations capable of deepening divisions in society.
The governor expressed concern over the vulnerability of young people to violence, crime, substance abuse, fraud and extremism. He urged the Church to strengthen its moral and social guidance for the younger generation.
Abiodun called on young Nigerians to channel their talents, creativity and energy into productive ventures that would improve their lives and contribute to national development.
He also advocated stronger collaboration among government, religious institutions, traditional rulers, the private sector and civil society, stressing that building a peaceful and prosperous society was a collective responsibility.
Speaking on the theme of the Synod, “The Priesthood of All Believers: Equipping God’s People for the Work of Ministry,” Abiodun described it as apt, saying the gathering provided an opportunity for prayer, reflection, discernment and renewed commitment to the teachings of Christ.
He urged the Church to sustain its contributions to education, healthcare, moral instruction and community development, describing it as an important voice of conscience in society.
The governor said development should not be measured solely by the number of roads constructed, investments attracted or buildings commissioned, but also by lives transformed, families strengthened and opportunities created.
He urged the Church to remain faithful to Scripture while addressing pressing social challenges, including poverty, insecurity, the plight of vulnerable people and the protection of children.
Abiodun expressed optimism that the Synod would produce practical outcomes capable of strengthening the Church and contributing to national renewal.
“I am confident that the teachings and deliberations of this Synod will inspire all the attendees to transform their faith into good works by serving their communities, supporting the vulnerable, mentoring young people, making peace and demonstrating the love of Christ in their daily lives,” he said.
In his welcome address, the Bishop of Remo and Archbishop of Lagos Ecclesiastical Province, The Most Rev. Dr. Michael Olusina Fape, urged Christians to recognise their calling to live as people of light and emulate Christ as the example of a godly life.
Fape acknowledged the internal and external challenges confronting Christians in the modern world, urging them to equip themselves with the word of God to remain steadfast in the faith.
He disclosed that the Diocese of Remo had grown from two archdeaconries, 10 priests and 31 churches at its inauguration on March 5, 1984, to 21 archdeaconries, one chapelry, 33 priests and 48 churches.
He appreciated past church officials and sons and daughters of the Remo Diocese, particularly the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Governor Abiodun, for their contributions to the growth of the Church.
The Synod, hosted by the Diocese of Remo, is presided over by the Primate of the Church of Nigeria, Anglican Communion, His Grace, The Most Rev. Henry Ndukuba.
Meanwhile, Abiodun on Tuesday reaffirmed his commitment to integrity, selfless service and education, saying the values instilled in him by his parents remained central to his approach to public service.
He spoke at the dedication of the Emmanuel and Victoria Abiodun Hall, built in honour of his late father, Dr. Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun, and his mother, Chief (Mrs.) Victoria Abiodun, at St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu, in Ikenne Local Government Area.
The governor described the dedication as a meeting point of memory, gratitude, faith and family, as well as a reflection of one generation’s labour and the responsibility of the next to preserve and build upon its legacy.
He said his parents taught him and his siblings that the greatest inheritance was not material wealth but humility, character, knowledge, compassion, discipline and the fear of God.
Abiodun said those lessons continued to shape his conduct and outlook in public office.
“I will continue to stand for integrity over convenience, service over self-interest, and education over ignorance. I will continue to choose compassion over indifference and unity over division,” he said.
The governor described his late father as a proud son of Iperu, a devoted Christian, accomplished educationist and community leader.
He said his parents, despite having different temperaments, were united in their commitment to serving God, educating children, respecting human dignity, working honestly, preserving the family and contributing to community development.
“My father taught me that public service is a trust, not a possession; that power is temporary, but the consequences of its use may endure for generations,” Abiodun said.
He reaffirmed his commitment to serving the people of Ogun State until the end of his administration and pledged to uphold the values bequeathed to him by his parents.
Earlier, Ndukuba described Abiodun as a good administrator whose administration had provided infrastructure and touched lives across the state.
He assured the governor of the continued support of the Anglican Church for his administration, saying the Church was willing to work with the state government to advance good governance and fulfil its responsibilities to society.
Ndukuba said the Church had observed developments across Ogun State, particularly in infrastructure, investment promotion and attention to the welfare of the people and younger generation.
“As we travelled round, we have seen the great work you’re doing. You have allowed God to use you to open up Ogun State to be an alternative, a destination for investment and a place that people can come and feel at home,” he said.
