Security
THE Anglican Communion, Badagry, Lagos, on Friday called for urgent and coordinated action by government at all levels to address worsening insecurity, hunger, and economic hardship in Nigeria.
Rt. Rev. Babatunde Adeyemi, made the call during his valedictory Episcopal Charge at the First Session of the Eighth Synod held at the Cathedral Church of St. Thomas Anglican Church, Badagry.
He decried rising cases of banditry, terrorism, kidnapping of school children, and violent attacks across the country.
Adeyemi urged authorities to rescue abducted victims in Borno and Oyo States and restore public confidence in national security.
The cleric strongly advocated for the establishment of state policing, saying it remained a more effective approach to tackling local security challenges.
He also warned that hunger, epileptic power supply, and high transportation costs were worsening the plight of Nigerians, especially students and small businesses.
The Bishop further highlighted key achievements of the Diocese under his 21-year leadership, noting its growth from 35 churches to 85, and expansion from one Archdeaconry to nine, alongside an increase in ministers from 19 to 86.
He added that the diocese had recorded major developments including the Diocesan Conference Centre at Salem City, Topo-Idale, establishment of schools.
Others are scholarships for indigent students, missionary expansion to the Republic of Benin, a free maternity centre, water production initiative by the Women’s Organisation, and medical outreach partnerships.
In a lighter moment, the cleric lamented the decline of Nigerian football, recalling the golden days of Green Eagles, Shooting Stars, Enugu Rangers, and Enyimba.
He said the problem was not lack of talent but poor administration and lack of commitment.
He advised the Nigeria Football Federation to learn from the English Premier League model, ensure direct payment of players, retrain local coaches, and encourage corporate sponsorship of domestic leagues.
With a humorous twist, he ended by cheering Arsenal fans, saying: “Up Gunners! Congratulations to all Arsenal supporters in Nigeria for breaking the 22-year jinx.”
The Bishop also commended the Lagos State Government under the leadership of Gov Babajide Sanwo-Olu for key developmental strides across the state.
He particularly applauded the passage of the state electricity law, describing it as a bold reform capable of improving power supply and boosting economic activities, as well as the continued improvement in road infrastructure and transportation.
Adeyemi further lauded the government’s support during the burial of the late Akran of Badagry and the Clean-Up Badagry Mile 2 Expressway initiative.
He noted that these interventions reflected responsive governance and commitment to cultural heritage, environmental sanitation, and grassroots development.
The Bishop praised the Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Mr Babatunde Hunpe, for his contributions to infrastructure and community development, particularly road projects and environmental sanitation.
In response, Hunpe described the Bishop’s Charge as “thorough, inspiring and a guiding force in leadership,” adding that it remained reference point in his public service commitment.
He said, “I will continue to do my best. The Bishop’s charge is one of the factors that keeps me going”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Synod was also graced by Mr Peter Kumayon, the Chairman, Olorunda LCDA and Mr Ibrahim Yemaren, the Chairman, Badagry-West LCDA and other well-meaning residents of Badagry. (NAN)
A.I
May 30, 2026
Tags: Mr Babatunde Hunpe Mr Peter Kumayon Rt. Rev. Babatunde Adeyemi