Sanwo-Olu urges Christians to build faith-driven Lagos governance

Adegbayi Joseph

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on Christians to help build a Lagos where faith reinforces governance, love and compassion guide leadership, and unity remains the state’s greatest asset.

The governor appealed on Sunday during the Harvest Grand Finale of the Chapel of Christ the Light Church, Alausa, Lagos. The theme of the celebration was “Harvesting the Fruit of His Overflow.”

Sanwo-Olu said the harvest thanksgiving offered an opportunity to reflect on the challenges, victories, and unanswered prayers of the outgoing year, while expressing gratitude for God’s protection and guidance.

“With God on our side, we will keep moving forward, not only as a government but as one people under His grace,” he said, adding that the harvest celebration was symbolic not only of physical produce but also of virtues such as patience, peace, diligence, compassion, and unity nurtured throughout the year.

He commended the Chapel’s leadership, clergy, choir, workers, and congregation for sustaining a house of worship that provides spiritual stability in the bustling city of Lagos.

Represented by Rev. Olubukola Adeleke, Special Adviser on Religion, the governor prayed for abundance, strength, joy, prosperity, and the continued illumination of Christ’s light in the lives of worshippers.

In her remarks, the wife of the governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, expressed gratitude to God for the growth of the Chapel of Christ the Light. She underscored the importance of thanksgiving as Lagos approaches the year 2026.

Highlighting the theme “Harvest of Spiritual Overflow” and its scriptural foundation in John 7:38, she urged Christians to trust and obey God while allowing the Holy Spirit to guide their lives. She praised the church for its dedication to the gospel and humanitarian work, praying for continued blessings and growth.

Represented by Mrs Okuwatoyin Suara, the First Lady also called on Christians to pray for peace, security, and economic stability in Lagos and Nigeria.

Earlier in his sermon, Bishop Sunday Onadipe of the Methodist Church Nigeria, Badagry Parish, encouraged Christians to demonstrate evidence of Christ in their lives. He advised believers to prioritise the fruits of the Spirit over material pursuits.

He described Nigeria’s security challenges as a wake-up call for both government and citizens to be more security-conscious.

The bishop commended the President’s declaration of a state of emergency on security but stressed the need for a concrete follow-up plan to mobilise resources for citizens’ protection.

“When we celebrate harvest, we often focus on material things—the fruits and the money we bring. But God expects more than that. He expects us to begin to harvest the fruits of the Spirit,” he said.

Harvest Planning Committee Chairman, Mr Peter Omokaro, thanked God for a successful celebration and encouraged members to remain steadfast in their faith, promising an even better harvest next year.

Representatives of Action Against Aid and the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos Chapter, led by Mr Adeleye Ajayi, were also present at the thanksgiving service.