Anglican bishop urges steadfast faith during Lagos parish visits

The Bishop of the Diocese of Lagos West, Anglican Communion, The Rt Revd Dr James Odedeji, has urged Christians to remain steadfast in their faith despite challenges.

This was disclosed in a statement shared by the Diocesan Media Team with PUNCH Online on Sunday.

The episcopal visitations, which took place on Thursday and Friday, March 6 and 7, 2025, saw the Bishop visit parishes in the Agege and Iju-Ishaga Archdeaconries.

He was accompanied by his wife, Dr Lydia Olukemi Odedeji, the Dean of the Cathedral, Ven. Ebenezer Adewole, and other senior clergy.

“In Agege Archdeaconry, the Bishop visited St Paul’s Church, Sango; C.O.P, Oke Ira; Holy Trinity, Aguda; St Andrew’s, Ifako; Our Saviour, Imola; CAAMAC, Oko Oba; All Saints, Orile; C.O.P, Dopemu; St John’s, Papa Asafa; Anglican Church, Cement; Holy Trinity, Mangoro; and Christ Church, Agege (the headquarters).

“In Iju-Ishaga Archdeaconry, the parishes visited included St Peter’s Anglican Church, Kongo Agbado; Anglican Church of the Epiphany, Adiyan; St James Anglican Church, Abule-Iroko; Anglican Church, Lemode-Ijoko; Anglican Church, Opeilu; St James Church, Abule-Iroko; St Peter’s Church, Ojokoro; Anglican Church of the Pentecost, Olaniyi; St Barnabas Church, Oko Oba; and St John’s Church, Iju-Ishaga (the archdeaconry headquarters),” the statement noted.

Odedeji praised parishioners for their unwavering faith and resilience despite infrastructural challenges and poor road networks around the Lagos-Ogun border axis.

He commended them for building impressive worship houses despite the harsh economic situation.

“I challenge you, my people, to call on your friends, sons, and daughters, both here in Nigeria and the diaspora, to assist in developing our churches,” Bishop Odedeji was quoted as saying.

He also acknowledged ongoing efforts by the Lagos and Ogun State governments to improve infrastructure in the area and urged Christians to remain prayerful for the swift completion of these projects.

The Bishop emphasised the need for increased evangelism, describing the region as a strategic hub for spreading the gospel due to its growing population.

He pledged that “despite financial constraints, the diocese would continue to support parishes in need.”

He further encouraged parishioners to love one another and continue to pray for the church and its leadership.