Christians Urged To Develop More Interest In Politics

Christians have been charged to participate in the ongoing political dispensation because the biblical teachings and the fear of God in them will help in bringing desirable changes in society.

This view was expressed at a seminar organised by Band of Light Society on its 40th anniversary held at Archbishop Vining Memorial Cathedral Church, Ikeja, Lagos, on the topic “Can Christians Transform Nigeria for the Better?

At the seminar, the bishop of the Diocese of Lagos South-West, Dr Ebenezer Adewole, said Christians were well-positioned to bring about transformation in society, arguing that most of the significant transformations in Nigeria were brought about by Christian missionaries when they introduced Christianity in the country.

He admitted that society has been corrupted and that the corruption pervades all strata. He maintained that to break the barriers, there is a need for transformation, which could be possible through prayer.

He admitted that there is also the need for transformation through ethics and morals, and until the leaders are changed, the desired change may not be possible: “We change through ethical morals.”

In his opening remarks, Chief Dare Babarimisa, President of the Band of Light society, said the essence of the topic is that Christians should lend their voices to ongoing political development, adding that their voices should be heard and that Christians should banish darkness from our land.

In her submission, Dr Ibukun Awosika said most of the problems facing society now were caused by the church’s failure to moderate society.

She said part of the functions of the church is to moderate the people, “but the church parades people of shady characters we have failed, “she said.

Awosika emphasised that if society is to be transformed, the church needs to have an impact that can engineer that transformation.

In his submission, Reverend Tunde Lemo, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, said Christians should realise they are stewards and will give account of their stewardship before God.