The Bishop’s remarks were made during the opening ceremony of the 23rd annual holiday camp for the Diocese’s Boys’ and Girls’ Brigades.

While acknowledging the importance of celebrating national heroes, Bishop Odedeji cautioned against gestures that are out of touch with Nigeria’s current economic realities. 

He urged the government to prioritize economic reforms that can directly address the heightened level of poverty in the country.

“In the face of the alarming poverty rate in our nation, the amount involved can be diverted to initiatives that uplift the lives of the people,” he stated. 

He advocated for a more modest approach to recognizing national contributors, one that is aligned with the economic hardships facing millions of Nigerians.

“We must appreciate our heroes, but such gestures should be modest and in line with the current economic realities.”

The annual holiday camp, held at the Caroline Adefiola Adebiyi Women Development Centre in Ipaja, Lagos, brought together over 1,000 young people from various parishes. The camp, themed “Be a Beacon of Light,” is designed to instill Christian values, discipline, and leadership skills. 

Activities include Bible study, spiritual expositions, physical drills, and a digital Bible quiz developed by tech-savvy youths within the Diocese.

The Chaplain of the Brigades, the Revd Canon Bode Daramola, described the camp as a crucial investment in the next generation of leaders. “Our core mandate as Brigades is to advance the kingdom of Christ, not only through preaching but by being examples in our communities,” he said. 

He encouraged the young participants to live a life of service and humility, emphasizing that a Christ-like lifestyle is a powerful testimony.

Bishop Odedeji praised the organizers, volunteers, and parents for their commitment to the moral and spiritual development of the youth. 

He charged the campers to apply the lessons learned, stating, “When you engage in a fruit-bearing lifestyle, people are bound to respect your God and honor your God. Everything is not about the pulpit; it’s about how you interact with the community.”

The official opening ceremony was attended by several notable guests, including the Special Guest of Honour, Barr. (Mrs) Omotola Rotimi, former director of the Lagos State Office of Public Defender. 

Also in attendance were the Diocesan Brigade Chaplain, The Revd Canon Bode Daramola and his wife, as well as zonal chaplains and other officials from the Diocese. 

The event highlighted the community’s collective effort to nurture young people into responsible and impactful citizens.

At the presentation of the award, an enchanting citation of Bishop Odedeji was read.

Apart from being the Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, Odedeji was the Supervisory Bishop of Lagos Diocese for a period of about eight months after the demise of Archbishop Humphrey Olumakaiye.

He played the role of navigating the ship of the diocese pending when a substantive bishop in the person of Rt Revd Ifedola Senasu Okupevi was elected and enthroned.

In the citation leading to the presentation of the award, the diocese said the award was to specifically celebrate Bishop Odedeji and his wife Dr. Lydia Odedeji for their exemplary service and noble statesmanship while serving the Lagos diocese.

“They both played once in a blue moon role of Supervisory Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos until the election and enthronement of the new Bishop. Bishop James and Lydia simply came out of obscurity and in humility, did a wonderful job.” the diocese noted in the citation.

The citation started with the maxim that for actions and events, there is always a day of reckoning. Performers call it the D-Day, Business professional and accountants say it is the Great-Day, the eschatological powers describe and allude to it as Judgment-Day while Human Resource practitioners call it the Day-of-Rewards. ‘Today is that Day and the Day is today’.

Read the exciting citation here:

As we gather under God to celebrate visionary leadership, extol exemplary service, appreciate noble statesmanship and confer deserving honors on a couple that stood in gap at a most critical point in our chequered history. While still struggling and groping in the haze occasioned by the unexpected sunset at noontime of the Late Archbishop Humphrey Bamiseyi Olumakaiye, the See of Lagos, in the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) on 30th October 2022, leadership responsibility was laid upon the shoulders of one of His appointed servants, a highly accomplished individual, in a neighborhood Diocese, with a rich background in theology, the incumbent Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, The Rt. Revd. Dr. James Olusola Odedeji and his amiable wife, Dr. Mrs. Lydia Olukemi Odedeji; played once in a blue moon role of Supervisory Bishop of Diocese of Lagos until when the election and enthronement of the new Bishop would take place. Bishop James and Lydia, simply came out of obscurity and in humility, did a wonderful job.

Born approximately 55years ago in Eko Ajala in Oyo state, Nigeria, to the Late Venerable David Ademola and Mrs. Comfort Odedeji, a youthful energetic workaholic of uncommon propensity and gangling friend. Father James Odedeji and his amiable, Consort, Nightingale Lydia Olukemi Odedeji were predetermined vessels of God, prepared, pre-destined and fore-ordained to fill an inter-Testamental gap in our Diocesan history, took up the additional role as Supervisory Bishop of Lagos, in addition to the big job of leading the big Diocese of Lagos West and discharged that role with uncommon doggedness, motivational tenacity, uncommon dexterity, sacrifice, humility and sagacity. As a rare breed, a highly cerebral James Olusola Odedeji completed his own theological education demand emerging as the best overall graduating student of 1993 graduating class, winning 16 laurels, receiving awards for the best excellent and leadership quality prize. In his young days as the Chaplain to the Late Bishop Peter Awelewa Adebiyi of Lagos West and Curate at Archbishop Vining Memorial Church which later became a Cathedral from 1997-2003, he displayed uncommon brilliance, hard work and unwavering commitment to duties which earned him a preferment as a Canon of the Cathedral in 2003, Archdeacon in 2007 and Dean of AVMCC from July 2010 – 10th Oct, 2010. That position he held till Jan 9, 2013 when he was elected as the 2nd Bishop of Diocese of Lagos West. Demonstrating his commitment to both faith and education, James Odedeji obtained his Masters in Religious studies from Lagos State University (LASU) in 2016 and a Doctoral Degree from the same institution in 2014. Bishop Odedeji is not only known for his religious leadership, but also his academic prowess. He is a distinguished Preacher, an accomplished Intercessor and has been Guest Speaker in various fora both within and outside Nigeria. He has actively participated in Church Administration and has chaired several Committees within the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).

Now as living witnesses to how Bishop Olusola Odedeji’s tenure as Supervising Bishop was marked by superlative and impressive records of tremendous spiritual and physical growth, but more importantly how he was able to aptly combine managing two of our Dioceses with such superlative ease and uncommon success, displaying great humility and wisdom. While shuttling between Ikeja and Marina, he did not abandon his primary responsibility. The long list of physical projects he initiated are infinite, from the huge towering structure of the Diocesan Multipurpose building, arguably the best in the Country, in the exclusive area of Ikeja Lagos, which includes a magnificent Bishop’s Court, an Administrative Block, a Bishop’s Chapel and Chaplains’ Quaters in palatial array. From the conservative 100 Churches he inherited to almost 700 and still counting. In continual education initiatives, Bishop Odedeji in just 10years mentored 14 Priests and 4 Clergy wives who have successfully obtained their PHDs in a record time. His amiable wife, Dr. Mrs. Lydia Odedeji, Chief Matron in Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), a holder of two Master Degrees of LASU since 2008, a renowned educator and a Doctor of Philosophy from the prestigious University of Lagos (UNILAG) in 2021.

Today therefore, we are gathered to celebrate excellence and reward hard work. Bishop James Olusola & Dr. Mrs. Lydia lives and careers are eloquent testaments to education, hard work, commitment and tenacity of purpose. We can go on and on and on.

My Lord Bishops here present, Mama Lagos, distinguished delegates, I present to you, a man of multilateral character, a highly regarded spiritual faithful pastor, compassionate achiever, a pontifical father, a wise teacher, The Rt Revd. Dr. James Olusola Odedeji and Dr. Mrs. Lydia Olukemi Nightingale Odedeji.

The mixed school, established over three years ago was a donation by the Samuel Adegbite Foundation. Since then, the Diocese has invested heavily in a bid to make it a leading school in Lagos State, providing not just academic but moral education.

The second phase of the project dedicated consist of ten (10) Classrooms, one Big Library, Staff Room and Office.

According to the school Principal, Venerable  OlaOluwa Adeyemi, the idea of the second phase project was borne out of the need to address the growth in students population, and the Diocesan was gracious enough to grant approval. The project was funded by the Diocese  and it was supported by the Samuel Adegbite Foundation.

Among other dignitaries that graced the event were, Dr Olutoyin Okeowo, Chairman Board of Governor of the school, Mr. Wale Adegbite of Samuel Adegbite Foundation, Ven. Ebenezer Adewole, Dean of the Cathedral, Arc. Babington, parents, students and staff of the school.

When asked about what’s next? Ven. Adeyemi said, “with the Diocesan’s backing, the school will soon overtake many of those established long ago”.

By Oluwole Ibikunle 

He made this declaration at the opening ceremony of the annual Triumphant Convocation organised by the Diocese on Tuesday.

Odedeji charged Christians to distance themselves from those who abhor prayers.

“Please I urge you not to listen to anybody who tries to discourage you from praying. Prayer is our life. If we fail to pray, we will become vulnerable. Jesus must increase in our lives, we must decrease.”

According to him, the idea of the Triumphant Convocation came to him during his hibernation after his consecration nine years ago.

“During my meditation, it then crossed my mind that in a diocese as progressive as DLW, there should be a programme that will bring all members of the Diocese together and be blessed together”.

Talking on the theme of the convocation, he said, “Our theme for this convocation. We are more than conquerors. I want to encourage us all to be expectant. You must also not doubt God and don’t look on any man for your blessings.”

In his sermon at the event, the Dean of the Cathedral, The Ven Ebenezer Adewole,  who stood in for the Guest Speaker, the Lord Bishop of Jalingo, Rt Revd Foreman Inedison,  encouraged the participants at the convocation to be people of faith.

“The believer is not deterred. He knows that what he sees are temporal. Faith does not bow to threats. A man of faith has no regard for obstacles.”

Adewole said also that to be more than a conqueror is to be for signs and wonders.

“Signs are to follow us. We are not to run around looking for signs. By the word, signs and wonders are to follow us. Miracles are to follow us.”

Those who are more than conquerors according to him must also run away from sin. Sin is a sinker, ”he added.

Speaking further, he noted that the ultimate for anybody who is more than a conqueror is to be born of God.

“To be born of God is to follow the Lord. If you are not born of God, you are less than a conqueror. If you are born of God you are more than a conqueror.”

He made this declaration at the opening ceremony of the annual Triumphant Convocation organised by the Diocese on Tuesday.

Odedeji charged Christians to distance themselves from those who abhor prayers.

“Please I urge you not to listen to anybody who tries to discourage you from praying. Prayer is our life. If we fail to pray, we will become vulnerable. Jesus must increase in our lives, we must decrease.”

According to him, the idea of the Triumphant Convocation came to him during his hibernation after his consecration nine years ago.

“During my meditation, it then crossed my mind that in a diocese as progressive as DLW, there should be a programme that will bring all members of the Diocese together and be blessed together”.

Talking on the theme of the convocation, he said, “Our theme for this convocation. We are more than conquerors. I want to encourage us all to be expectant. You must also not doubt God and don’t look on any man for your blessings.”

In his sermon at the event, the Dean of the Cathedral, The Ven Ebenezer Adewole,  who stood in for the Guest Speaker, the Lord Bishop of Jalingo, Rt Revd Foreman Inedison,  encouraged the participants at the convocation to be people of faith.

“The believer is not deterred. He knows that what he sees are temporal. Faith does not bow to threats. A man of faith has no regard for obstacles.”

Adewole said also that to be more than a conqueror is to be for signs and wonders.

“Signs are to follow us. We are not to run around looking for signs. By the word, signs and wonders are to follow us. Miracles are to follow us.”

Those who are more than conquerors according to him must also run away from sin. Sin is a sinker, ”he added.

Speaking further, he noted that the ultimate for anybody who is more than a conqueror is to be born of God.

“To be born of God is to follow the Lord. If you are not born of God, you are less than a conqueror. If you are born of God you are more than a conqueror.”

The preparation for the 2021 Synod of the Diocese of Lagos West (Anglican Communion) spanned many months. Many organs of the Diocese, including the Diocesan Board, The Diocesan Board of Finance, the Administrators who are princes of the Dioceses with the Bishop as the king, all coordinated by the Lord Bishop as President of the Synod using the instrumentality of the Synod Office and his Administrative Assistant.

The main highlight of any Synod is the Bishop’s Charge that brings an overview of the development in the Diocese over the previous years, the challenges faced, godly plans and the mind of the Bishop on contemporary development in the country. One would therefore expect that the Bishop would have been wearied by the various activities to withstand delivery of a two-hour address. But not the Rt. Revd Olusola Odedeji, Diocesan Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West by Divine Permission for the past eight years. He had so much to say and had the energy to remain eloquent and strong for the duration of delivering the loaded Charge.

The Bishop spoke from the heart like a concerned father who could not bear seeing his children suffer needless amidst plenty as is the lot of Nigerians today. As would be expected, at the heart of the Charge was a frown at the level of insecurity across the country. It was not lost on the Lord Bishop that Nigerians live in unusual times when all things are not normal, when, in the North east there is insurgency, banditry in the North West, general attacks by killer herdsmen in all other parts of the country, rampant kidnapping for ransom, inexplicable killings and a free reign of anarchy threatening the unity and stability of the country.

He therefore said, “All over, the threat level is rife. It will be dangerous to allow Nigeria slide into war…whereas it is already in a war situation, even if it is not yet a full blown war. The nation is bleeding; blood is flowing here and there. People are living in palpable fear. Several factors are to blame, most of them self-inflicted. The President must clamp down on this anomaly decisively; Nigeria is now experiencing failed institutions, weakened national cohesion and hegemonic stance as fallouts of insecurity.

The conflicts between herders and farmers did not escape the attention of Bishop Odedeji. He said “some sections of the South now view the presence of armed pastoralists as a ‘Fulanisation’ plot aimed at land grabbing.  …Many farmers have been sent out of their farms leaving them jobless and further threatening the drive for food sufficiency in the country.”

The President of Synod called the attention of delegates to what he thought should be urgently done to curb the rising cases of insecurity in the land and the concomitant looming anarchy. Placing the buck squarely on President Muhammadu Buhari who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the Bishop called for the declaration of a state of emergency on security without further delay. He said this should include wholesale security reforms, and instituting necessary measures towards running an inclusive government.

He called for amendment of the Constitution to accommodate regional security outfits such as Amotekun in the South West, and Ebube Agu in the South East. To complement them, he said the situation calls for introduction of state police for all hands to be on deck towards ensuring that Nigerians sleep with both eyes closed.

In the wake of wanton abduction of school children, Bishop Odedeji said security should be tightened around them, with perimeter fencing and alarm systems installed.

And, to check the migration of killer herders and other criminal to the country, he counseled the federal government and security forces to “coordinate with neighbours to stem cross-border movement of non-Nigerian armed herders and small arms.

In the face of brick bats flying of recent between the federal and state officials, the eminent Christian leader pointed out “the need to work together; taking immediate steps to shore up security for herders and farmers, strengthening conflict resolution mechanisms and initiating long term efforts to reform livestock management practices.

A Bishop’s Charge is not only an opportunity to beam the searchlight on the state of the nation; it is also an opportunity to build up members of the Diocese through delegates. The Bishop therefore did an exposition on the theme of this year’s Synod: “We are more than conquerors”. The Diocesan explained that Christians are always engaged in wars and battles against enemies see and unseen. He pointed out the need to identify the enemy. He said a hierarchy of such enemies who he identified as Satan at the head, followed by principalities and powers of darkness, human satanic agents, sin and oppression, flesh and carnality. The Bishop identified three others- indecision, doubt and fear that he described as “the unholy trio that are closely related.”

 If the exposition had stopped at that, the address would have left the delegates on a note of despondency. Bishop Odedeji said the scripture has supplied believers with weapons to fight the war. These he identified as, faith and fearlessness, He said “faith is the greatest force in the world. Faith is the basis of all miracles and breakthrough in life. Faith is the essence and anchor of Christianity. When faith in God is absolute, results are inevitable.”

Other weapons identified by the great man of God include confidence that God will give victory, obedience to divine instructions, thinking like a victor, not a victim and due deployment of the weapon of praise citing the example of Paul and Silas who used the weapon to devastating effect in jail as recorded in Acts 16: 16-40.

To be more than a conqueror, the Bishop told the flock to watch their focus closely and be heavenly focused at all times. He also said they should allow the Holy Spirit to guide them at all times as well as realize that victory is available only through the blood of Jesus as the enemy would lay charges against them, but Christ who died for them and pleads their cause with God remains their Advocate as he has paid the one perfect sacrifice.

By Revd Mobolade Omonijo