(BY VEN. FOLUSO TAIWO)

A Cleric has reiterated that the Nigerian Nation is endowed with stupendous natural mineral resources and if skillfully extracted and money realized is judiciously spent, Nigeria shall be one of the richest countries in the world that will be lending and not carrying the burden of loans on the neck.

This submission was made by the Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Akinlalu, Bishop of Oke-Osun Anglican Diocese while delivering his charge to the First Session of the Ninth Synod of the Diocese held at St. Barnabas Anglican Church Apomu in Osun State.

He appealed to those in charge of the collection of the ill-gotten wealth to do something remarkable with the loot, and the culprits brought to book. Bishop Akinlalu urged every citizen of the country to work together cooperating with the government of the day to move the country forward in commerce and industry.

He called on the federal government to make definite laws and regulation on cattle ranching instead of waiting dangerously until there is pandemonium in the 36 states of the federation, including the FCT. He said the way Hausa/Fulani cattle rearers are surreptitiously invading the states in the country is alarming and needs urgent attention. According to him, it is an ill wind that will blow nobody good; hence, the federal government should not fold its arms.

Speaking on the theme of the Synod, the Bishop of Oke-Osun Diocese said the faith and belief of many people are superficial, very far from being genuine, hence they receive the good news of Christ as second hand. According to him, Nigerians like second hand materials like shoes, clothes and name them. Everything, he said is “Tokunbo” including their faith. He said “Tokunbo” faith cannot be steadfast but slippery, it cannot be immovable but runs after wealth and worldly desires. The erudite scholar said that the love that Jesus has for His people especially Peter is unimaginable as it is amazing that Jesus appeared to him after Resurrection despite the fact that he denied him, but added that Jesus’ main assignment is to reconcile mankind to God. Jesus, he said has merged love and forgiveness and made them inseparable.

He asked Christians not to allow anyone to obstruct their chance of reaching heaven, adding that the pre-requisite qualification to the kingdom of God is love to God and neighbour.

Meanwhile, the 2017 Trinity Ordination of Oke-Osun Anglican Diocese comes up on Sunday the 9th of July 2017 at St. Peter’s Church Oke Apata, Gbongan Osun State. The Preacher is Ven. Dr. Colonel Moses Abolanle and the Rt. Rev. Dr. Abraham Akinlalu PhD JP is the Celebrant.