The Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on Christians to prioritise God’s will and purpose in their lives. The governor said this at the weekend during the first session of the seventh Synod of the Diocese of Lagos Mainland Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) with thetheme, “But Do Mine First” taken from 1 Kings 17:13b, held at All Saint’s Church, Yaba, Lagos.
He enjoined Christians to reflect, renew and recommit their lives to Jesus Christ, saying in this busy world, God’s priorities must come first, quoting Matthew 6:33 to prop his point.
Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Abimbola Salu-Hundeyin, said Christians should seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness and every other thing such as good health, wealth, joy, long life and all that they desire in this world shall be added unto them.
Urging the body of Christ to anchor their lives in obedience, and selfless service to humanity, the governor said prioritising God’s purpose is the gateway to success, abundance and upward growth.
Sanwo-Olu who extolled the Diocesan Bishop, The Rt. Rev’d Akinpelu Johnson and members of his congregation for the good work they are doing, said that Lagos State recognised the critical role the church has played in shaping moral values and promoting peace, fostering unity and progress through community development.
“The Anglican Communion through its various Dioceses including this great Diocese of Lagos Mainland has been a faithful partner in this developmental effort. I also wish to acknowledge the cooperation between Lagos State government and the church for partnering with us in the areas of education, healthcare, youth development and humanitarian service,” he said.
He also noted that the partnership had yielded fruits through faith-based schools, mission hospitals and community-based initiatives that compliment the vision of greater Lagos. He assured the church that his administration would continue to uphold and support religious institutions that foster values of discipline and compassion.
“We understand that building a resilient state requires a solid moral foundation and the church is a critical pillar in that architecture. Let us continue to prioritise the kingdom of God in our governance, businesses, families and in all spheres of life.”
The host Bishop, the Rt. RevdAkinpelu Johnson commended Sanwo-Olu and his team for what they are doing in Lagos State, especially during the turmoil that engulfed the Lagos State House of Assembly, adding that during the period, work still continued with many infrastructural projects completed for the benefit of Lagosians.
However, the cleric asked the governor not to relent in his pursuit of security, especially as Lagosians continue to hear increasing cases of kidnapping and robbery in some areas of the state.
Commending the governor’s 39 road projects undertaken from June last year and April 2025, Johnson noted that the state has also invested in the educational sector, healthcare, digital economy, transportation, among others.
The President of the Synod urged Sanwo-Olu to critically examine the activities of his men in uniform, especially Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), saying they need to be people-oriented and service-minded. He also urged the governor to check the activities of health personnel in state hospitals.
According to the cleric, many lives that could have been saved are lost because of negligence and carefree attitude of medical personnel. On the national level, Johnson lamented the rising inflation and the havoc it has inflicted on Nigerians, saying the new minimum wage is unlikely to achieve the desired impact in peoples’ lives, since Nigeria is not a producing nation.
He noted that the Federal Government’s infrastructural development, especially the construction of the coastal road should stimulate the economy, but nothing, according to him, seems to work in Nigeria.
Commending the synergy between the Federal Government and Lagos State over the resurfaced Eko Bridge and third Mainland Bridge with solar lights, Johnson described it as a huge success story and called for the cooperation to be extended to all major highways in the country.
He said those who contributed to the failed revamping of the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries should be brought to book to avoid reoccurrence.
Recalling the agreement between Dangote refinery and the Federal Government on Naira for crude deal, he said the news caused a drop in the price of petrol, stressing that Federal Government should sustain the arrangement for the good of Nigerians.
Johnson lampooned the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for introducing tax on electronic transfers and withdrawals, adding that Nigerians are now charged N100 per withdrawal across banks and wondered the rationale for tax when government is not cutting down its cost.
Other areas of concern, the Bishop touched included electricity supply, security, the Uromi killings, corruption, unemployment, state of emergency in Rivers State and education, and so on.
On the theme of the synod, Johnson said, Elijah told the widow of Zarephath to do his own first. Same way, Johnson said, God expected believers to act by ensuring that God’s kingdom comes first, even in difficult times.
