Notable Nigerians in the political circle, corporate world, as well as religious leaders will, on Saturday, converge on the Prophet Dr. Gabriel Olubunmi Fakeye Memorial Cathedral of the Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Surulere District Headquarters in Lagos for a national symposium tagged: “The State, The Society and The Church 2.0”.
This is as the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN) will set the tone as the keynote speaker at the event which is themed “Beacon of Hope for a new Nigeria” and organised by the Church Wardens band of the District to commemorate its 50th anniversary celebration.
Addressing pressmen at the Disciples of Christ Ministry auditorium on Tuesday, the Chairman and General Leader of the District, Apostle Prophet Funsho Korode, disclosed that the national discourse could not have come at a better time than now, considering the many challenges facing the nation, coupled with the normal election period tension and anxieties.
He said the Honourable Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Isiaka Oladapo Amao and the Shepherd Disciples of Christ Ministry, Special Apostle Pastor Femi Soyemi would make presentations on the three core aspects of the symposium which include: The State, The Society and The Church, respectively.
While he revealed that the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwoolu would give special remarks at the symposium, he also listed the panel speakers to include Mr. Oluseun Onigbinde, Co-Founder & Director, BudgIT; Ms. Ibijoke Faborode, Founder & CEO, ElectHER and Mrs. Khadijah Okunnu-Lamidi, 2023 Presidential Aspirant.
Elder Korode who was represented by the District General Secretary, Special Apostle G. O Ogunleye, said the church, being an integral part of the society, cannot afford to be a passive participant in any community or society it finds itself, adding that it has a role to play in the growth of the nation.
“The Church, as a religious not-for-profit organisation, is an integral part of the society. It cannot afford to be a passive participant in any community or society it finds itself. In fact, the church by its divine mandate is a capacity builder, whose main purpose is to ensure that its members are heavenly kingdom candidates. This implies that the church must strive to raise disciplined, law-abiding and morally upright citizens.
“The church have a role to play in the growth and development of our nation. The despair in the nation is almost palpable. The structures of the state seem grossly inadequate, ill-equipped and ill-prepared to tackle these challenges. And the society has been the worst for this ineptitude. There is an urgent need to reverse this trend. We cannot afford to be stagnant, while other economies are rapidly developing their societies. The percentage of our youth and young adults migrating or seeking to migrate to other countries is staggering. We need to be creative to address this and other challenges.”
He would go on to say that the national discourse will contribute meaningfully to the emergence of a better nation, where the citizenry will benefit maximally from the abundant human and material resources with which Nigeria is divinely endowed.
The band which has a unique, divinely inspired mixed responsibility for handling spiritual materials like the Levites of old, ushering and maintenance of order and security, held its maiden symposium in 2004.
The Chief Warden, Snr. Apostle Pastor Wesley O. Kafidiya, said the concept when it was first initiated was to sensitize the youths, members of the church, as well as friends of the church on what to be considered as responsibilities to the church, the society and the nation at large.
He said the impact of the edition was strongly felt in the church in terms of building Christian-focused youths, which also rubs off on the elders. He added that the unfolding scenarios in the society, however informed the need to focus on the larger populace, hence branding the second edition a national symposium.
Describing the church as apolitical, the Shepherd of the Youth Fellowship, Senior Special Apostle Seyi Coker clarified that the programme has no political connotation whatsoever, considering the present election season in the country.
Prophet Coker who doubles as the Church Secretary also maintained the church has no political identity than the prayer gown its members are known with.
Specifically speaking on the invitation of the Vice President, he said an invite had been sent to him well over a year ago, adding that his presence is as good as inviting the federal government to participate in the symposium.
Seraph Dayo Oyewo. A Journalist/Social Entrepreneur. He loves meeting new people. Favourite Hymn: Ji Okan mi dide layo
