THE COMMUNIQUE

DIOCESE OF LAGOS WEST (ANGLICAN COMMUNION)

2ND SESSION OF THE 9TH SYNOD

COMMUNIQUE

INTRODUCTION:

The 2nd Session of the 9th Synod of the Diocese of Lagos West (Anglican Communion) held from Thursday, 15th of May to Sunday, 18th of May, 2025 at the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral, G. R. A., Ikeja, Lagos under the guidance of the Holy Spirit and was presided over by the Rt. Revd. James Olusola Odedeji, Ph.D., the Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West.

The Theme of the Synod is “BE A BEACON OF LIGHT” – Matthew 5: 16

1. ON THE THEME OF THE SYNOD

Having studied and examined the theme: -

 

1. Synod notes that the world is in darkness on account of the numerous vices plaguing it.
2. Synod observes that believers in Christ are the children of light called to shine through the present darkness.
3. Synod remarks that the theme “Be a Beacon of Light” is what Jesus Christ has called Christians to be and the purpose thereof.
4. In a world of moral and ethical decadence, Synod asks Christians to live their lives as people who have answers to the moral problems in the world.
5. Synod points all Christians to the fact that we are called to be spiritual guides.
6. Synod strongly advises believers to be of good character, give their time, talents and treasure to the work of God.
7. Synod further admonishes Christians to live godly lifestyles and dress decently.

 

2. NEWS AROUND THE DIOCESE
3. Synod acknowledges the grace of God in the steady and multi-dimensional growth of the Diocese.
4. Synod congratulates the Diocese on her silver anniversary held in November 2024
5. Synod appreciates the scholarships given by individuals, institutions, and Churches especially the Archbishop Vining Memorial Church Cathedral.
6. Synod is impressed by the tremendous impact the Diocesan programmes have on Youth, Sunday School, and the Elderly.
7. Synod notes with joy the encouraging results from the Diocesan schools and hopes they keep up the tempo.
8. Synod commends the activities of the Women Organisation, ably led by the wife of the lord Bishop, Dr. Mrs. Lydia Olukemi Odedeji, which touch on social, economic and spiritual well-being of women and youths.

 

3. LAGOS STATE
4. Synod appreciates the Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwoolu, for his love and support for our Diocese and the Anglican Communion.
5. Synod congratulates the Government of Lagos State for its well-articulated and well-coordinated fiscal and other policies that have enabled the State to attain the enviable position of being the commercial hub of Nigeria, and the city of Lagos being the second largest city economy on the continent.
6. To sustain this growth and recorded achievements, Synod encourages the Executive and Legislative arms of Lagos State Government to work in harmony in the interest of the people of the State.
7. Synod prays for ceaseless blessings of the Lord on the Governor and the people of Lagos State.

 

 

4. STATE OF THE NATION
5. Synod commends the various efforts of the past and present governments of Nigeria since May 29, 1999, for sustaining democracy for 26 unbroken years.
6. Synod applauds the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the following achievements: -

 

• Growth in Gross Domestic Product (G. D.P.)

 

• Increase in the Federal Revenue Allocation to the states and local governments

 

• Recognition of local government as an autonomous tier of government and,

 

• Reduction in external debts particularly for paying off the International Momentary Fund (IMF) COVID-19 debt.

 However on;

1. Security

 

Synod is concerned about the unabating insecurity in the country and urges the government to tackle the menace.

 

1. Education

 

Synod is worried about the deteriorating state of the educational sector and asks the government to declare a state of emergency in that sector.

 

• Health Sector

 

Synod decries the persistent decay in the health sector and urges the government to improve the quality of health care delivery in the nation.

 

1. Power Sector

 

Synod frowns at the continued failure and collapses in the generation of electricity in the country, urges the implementation of the devolution policy and encourages the use of alternative source of power generation.

 

1. Economy

 

Synod appreciates the efforts and policies of the government in encouraging private investors in setting up of refineries which will boost the Gross Domestic Product and the economy at large.

 

Synod implores this government to take proactive measures by diversifying the economy, address poverty and hunger in the land, and make Nigeria a production-based economy.

 

Synod calls on Nigerians to patronize made in Nigerian goods.

 

1. Politics

 

1. Synod advises that politics should be played selflessly, objectively with the interests of the citizens at heart.

 

1. Synod encourages Nigerians not only to criticize the government but also to offer practical solutions.

 

1. Synod condemns in strong terms the issue of corruption in governance, rigging of elections, excessive spending on political campaigns and non-ideologically based cross carpeting in our political landscape.

 

1. Synod urges the government of the day to, as a matter of urgent importance, call for a referendum to discuss the future of Nigeria.

 

5. THE WORLD TODAY
6. Synod congratulates President Donald Trump of the United States of America on his second term election.
7. However, Synod notes that the tariff war he initiated on resumption of office is affecting international trade adversely and therefore advises that he reviews his stand.
8. Synod views President Trump’s Executive Order on Immigration as punitive and advises that he has a rethink.
9. Synod flays the many wars in the world today, including renewed hostilities between India and Pakistan, the Israel-Hamas war and the Russia- Ukraine conflict amongst others, and calls for peace in the world.
10. Synod condoles with the Roman Catholic Church on the demise of Pope Francis and prays for the repose of his soul.
11. Synod congratulates Pope Leo XIV, and wishes him God’s guidance in the discharge of his papal responsibilities.
12. Synod enjoins Africa to take control of her natural resources and her destiny.

 

6. CONCLUSION:

c

Synod concludes that the theme of the Synod “Be a Beacon of Light” is not a mere suggestion but a divine mandate.

 

Synod says to Christians all over the world, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven”. Matthew 5: 16