Nigeria will Overcome Challenges, New Anglican Bishop Predicts

By Victor Ogunje in Ado Ekiti

A new Bishop for Ekiti West Diocese of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Rt. Rev. Rufus Adepoju, was Friday enthroned, with a message that Nigeria will overcome her challenges and become stronger with unity of purpose.

Speaking at his enthronement at the Cathedral Church of Christ in Ijero-Ekiti, headquarters of Ekiti West Local Government Area of Ekiti State, Adepoju predicted boom for the country in spite of her hydra headed social political and economic malaise.

Adepoju was installed by the Archbishop of Ondo Province, who also doubles as the Dean of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), the Most Rev. George Latunji Lasebikan.

The new Bishop said the country would surmount all the challenges

facing her if Nigerians put their trust in God.

Delivering a sermon before a capacity crowd of worshippers, Adepoju advised Nigerian leaders to be more sincere in their stewardship and “stop speaking too much grammar”.

In his sermon entitled: “God of our Fathers”, taken from Psalm 48:14, Adepoju who said his watchword in his episcopal assignment is “With God All Things Are Possible” stressed that the social, economic and political problems afflicting Nigeria are not beyond divine solution.

Adepoju said: “In this country, we need sincerity in leadership because we speak too much grammar in Nigeria. We have many programmes and  policies capable of changing this country but we have failed.

“Let all of us be sincere in tackling our problems in Nigeria and there will be a way out. If all Nigerians can trust God with our present predicament and problems, there wil be solution.

“No problem is greater than God our Creator; we should hang our problems on him and fear him because the Bible says the fear of God is the beginning of wisdom. That is the message of God to all Nigerians, they should fear not because it shall be well.”

The bishop who attributed his emergence to the grace of God told the congregation that he lost his father nine days after he was admitted to the seminary a journey he never knew would lead to his present status.

Adepoju urged the clergy and laity to join hands with him to build a virile diocese through commitment to God’s service and aggressive evangelism.

Dignitaries at the enthronement service included former Governor Adeniyi Adebayo represented by Hon. Idowu Adeniyi, former Governor Kayode Fayemi represented by former Head of Service, Mr. Bunmi Famosaya, bishops from all over the country led by Bishop of Lagos, the Rt. Rev. Ephraim Ademowo and Chief Judge of Ekiti State, Justice Ayodeji Daramola.

Traditional rulers present included the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti, Oba Adeyemo Adejugbe; the Owa Ajero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Adebayo Adewole; the Elekole of Ikole-Ekiti, Oba Ajibade Fasiku; the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, Oba Ademola Ajakaye